Deputy Prime Minister on the Yeraskh-Horadiz Railway

The issue of exercising control over the Yeraskh-Julfa-Orbudad-Meghri-Horadiz railway within Armenia is not currently under discussion. This was stated by the office of Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan in response to a query from Sputnik Armenia.

“Such an issue is not being discussed. The railway will operate in accordance with internationally accepted customs and border regulations, on the principle of reciprocity and under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries,” the Deputy Prime Minister's response noted.

According to him, the length of the Yeraskh-Julfa-Orbudad-Meghri-Horadiz railway will be approximately 340 km, of which 45 will pass through the territory of the Republic of Armenia. Preliminary assessments by experts suggest that the indicative budget for rehabilitation work on the Armenian section is around $200 million equivalent.

“At this moment, I cannot specify exact timelines for the start of construction work, but there is a mutual disposition to quickly clarify the agreements in this area and immediately start the work. According to experts’ preliminary analysis, it is possible to complete the full rehabilitation work within 36 months,” the response states.

The issue of the placement of railway stations, he added, will be clarified in the final project.