Armenia May Lose Historic Railway Opportunity: Pashinyan

Armenia is at risk of losing a historic opportunity to integrate into the international railway network due to the management of its railways under Russian control, stated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the National Assembly.

He reminded that the railway is the property of Armenia but is managed by the 'Russian Railways' company. According to Pashinyan, Armenia respects Russia and its interests but cannot afford to lose this opportunity.

Pashinyan called on Russian partners to demonstrate flexibility and sell the concession rights to a third country that is acceptable to both Armenia and Russia. He noted that international investors interested in the TRIPP project are considering alternatives to bypass the Eraskh-Akhurik railway segment.

Specifically, schemes are being discussed in which cargo entering Nakhchivan via the Nrnadzor-Agarak section will be directed westward, bypassing Armenia’s railway. Pashinyan assessed that in such a scenario, Armenia could lose significant revenues, investments, jobs, and development opportunities.

According to him, the concerns of international investors and freight transporters are caused by the complex relationship between Russia and the West, as well as the sanctions imposed on Russia. This makes the Russian management of Armenia’s railway a risky factor for international business.

At the same time, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia has no connection to the sanctions imposed against Russia and that the Russian management of the railway had not been a problem for Armenia until now.