GYUMRI-KARS CONNECTION IS REAL

Aysor
Sept 23 2009
Armenia

The first train from Tbilisi reached Aleksandropol, which is Gyumri
now, breaking distance of 180 km in 1898. The railway has a great
strategic importance for economic and social development of Armenia
which is high-placed and has no sea outlets.

Since 2008 Armenian railway is under "South Caucasus Railroad"
company’s (SCR) management. Established by "Russian railways" the
company now provides both internal and interstate connections.

SCR’s spokesman, Vahe Davtyan, told "Aysor" that 11 rail connections
exist nowadays: Yerevan – Gyumri, Yerevan – Yeraskh, Yerevan –
Armavir, Gyumri – Pemzashen, Ayrum – Vanadzor, Yerevan – Araks,
Ararat – Yerevan, Razdan-Kanaker-Shorzha, and international Yerevan –
Tbilisi and Yerevan – Batumi.

"Streamlined train Yerevan-Armavir tested its way on this year’s July,
10," said Mr.Davtyan noting that establishment of new directions are
not envisaged yet.

Asked about changes to come after Armenian-Turkish border reopening
Mr. Davtyan said: "By our estimates, Gyumri – Kars railway connection
which links Armenia with Turkey is in fairly good condition, so SCR is
technically ready to provide rail service between Turkey and Armenia."

Asked if it is true whether or not Yerevan-Moscow line will work Vahe
Davtyan said that wasn’t definitely corresponded to reality.

"If it even is corresponded then that is a political issue as
Georgia-Abkhazia border is closed and until they solve internal
political conflicts we can’t be linked with Russia."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress