The process of modernizing the Meghri border checkpoint on the Armenian-Iranian border will continue until 2026, the State Revenue Committee of Armenia has said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Work on the restructuring and modernization of the customs checkpoint in Meghri has already begun. According to the committee, a modern checkpoint will be built to meet international standards, PanARMENIAN.Net reported.

"To fully ensure the work of the border checkpoint in Meghri, it is planned to build a two-story administrative building with a building area of 4,000 square meters. The border checkpoint will have buildings for a thorough check of incoming vehicles, X-rays for trucks, customs and cars and other infrastructure," the statement said.

Earlier, Rustam Badasyan, chairman of the committee, said that in 2022 it was planned to allocate 1.2 billion drams ($3.1 million) for the project, but there were delays in procedures for preparing for construction, and the project was postponed to 2023.

The customs checkpoint in Meghri is being renovated with an EU grant and a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Earlier, under the EU program, three border crossings on the border with Georgia were modernized – Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan-Privolnoe.

Ground for the new facility was broken earlier this month in a ceremony attended by Badasyan, the head of the Yerevan Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, George Akhalkatsi, Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan, representatives of international structures and other state bodies, Public Radio of Armenia reported.

The current infrastructure at the Meghri border checkpoint is outdated. Its operational, technical, engineering, environmental and safety conditions need to be improved to meet modern safety and security requirements and adhere to international border management standards.

The project aims to rebuild and modernize the road border checkpoint facilities at Meghri. The project involves demolition of outdated buildings, the construction of new modern facilities and installation of modern equipment for the performance of border, customs and other controls in line with modern standards.

Construction works will be carried out by Tana Energy Management Company, winner of an international tender. Roughton International Limited Company will carry out technical quality control of the construction works.