MP: CONSTRUCTION OF IRAN-ARMENIAN RAILWAY MAY BE LAUNCHED IN 2010

Noyan Tapan
Jan 19, 2009

YEREVAN, January 19. /ARKA/. Construction of Iran-Armenian Railway may
be launched in 2010, Gagik Minasyan, chairman of Armenian National
Assembly’s standing financial committee, said at a pres conference
on Monday.

He said the project assessment is under way now. He thinks there
would be no problems with funding.

MInasyan said that that the railways that function now can transport
cargoes and passengers in 45 to 45 km/hour speed, while the new
railway will ensure 100 km/hour speed.

According to the preliminary estimation, the construction needs $2
billion investments.

World Bank and Asian Development expressed their interest in the
construction.

The railway’s one route through Armenia’s territory has already been
determined. It is Jermuk-Meghri. Other routes are under discussion
now, though it is also presumed that the railway will go through
Sisian and Kapan.

It is also planned that 100 kilometers of the railway will go through
Iran’s territory – from Armenian border to Merand, Iran.

Specialists say the construction will take five to six years.

Now Armenia has only one railway connecting it with other countries. It
goes through Georgia.

Iran-Armenia Railway will be an alternative transportation link.