North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Excellent idea and posts Mher, very useful. Importance of these project cannot be understated. Now that Iran is becoming less isolated internationally, hope the railway project and many of our other projects with Iran that are lagging behind pick up speed.

I hope some day eastern parts of Armenia get their own major highways as well. Vardenis-Martakert by the ArmeniaFund is one small step towards this direction.

Thank you
It is incredible that we don't have rail access to our only dependable neighbor. Of course its fairly understandable considering the priorities during the first 20 years of existence were surviving and healing from the war and the horrors of the Spitak earthquake.

As if it were not enough that Armenia faces a combination of challenges that no other nation on earth faces, we were also dealt an unstable and sanctioned Iranian state, and a pro-Turkish/anti-Russian Georgian government. Now that those factors have changed dramatically over the past year, the progress of our small state should accelerate greatly. I hope the Rouhani government continues its progress, as Iran truly has the potential to become a regional power, a Germany in the middle east. And there is no reason Armenia can't become the Switzerland to Iran's Germany. Rouhani has shown an amazing ability to withstand the initial AIPAC/Israel and domestic nutcase mullah attempted derailing of his agenda. Now that he has some leeway both in America and at home, having proven he can deliver results, he should have a much longer leash in bringing Iran out of the dark and back to stability and prominence.

And I definitely agree about the eastern development. Unfortunately, Armenia faces so many challenges at the same time, one doesn't know where to start.

Now that Yerevan is a fairly modern city, where one can at least expect to find employment to sustains ones family, a focus needs to shift upon modernizing Gyumri and Vanadzor which look like Yerevan in 1995

Then we need to focus on our depleting villages and other regions

However, I think all of that, at least partially, will take care of itself with these 2 projects once Armenia breaks from its current isolation, connecting to the outside world as well as modernizes its infrastructure and become more interconnected within.

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Summarizing above information about the Armenia-Iran Railway:

Description: 316 km Railway Connecting Armenia to Iran, going through Iran to Caspian, creating Black Sea-GEO-ARM-IRN-Persian Gulf Link
Cost: approximately $ 1.8-2.7 Billion; $3.5 Billion (Clarification/Further information/individual breakdown Needed)
Funding: N/A Armenia; Iran has its section funded, waiting on Armenia
Potential Future Funding: World Bank;Asian Development Bank ; Dubai-based investment fund Rasia FZE, Russian Railways (RZD)
Projected Completion Date: N/A
Engineering/Construction Company: Russian Railways (RZD)
Progress so far (Dec 2013): N/A; Iran ready to begin construction as soon as Armenia secures funding for its section

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Easing of Iran Sanctions ‘Will Boost Armenian-Iranian Cooperation’

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—The elimination of sanctions placed on Iran will contribute to the mitigation of tension in the region, which will positively affect Armenian-Iranian relations, Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Mohammad Reisi told a press conference in Yerevan.

Iran and the world powers agreed on a long-awaited deal on Tehran’s nuclear energy program, after days of intense talks in Geneva.The interim deal allows for Iran to continue its activities in its nuclear sites in the cities of Arak, Fordo, and Natanz in exchange for concessions on uranium enrichment and more transparency.

The agreement also stipulates that no additional sanctions will be imposed on Iran due to its nuclear energy program. Iran will also receive access to $4.2 billion in foreign exchange as part of the nuclear deal.

“Iran is against any weapon of mass destruction, including nuclear. Our objective is to develop a peaceful nuclear program,” the Ambassador said.

Mohammad Reisi noted that financial problems due to sanctions had resulted in the suspension of some joint projects with Armenia. “Despite that, our cooperation with friendly Armenia continues. The city of Agarak and the surrounding settlements, for example, are currently connecting to gas lines with the support of the Iranian government. The large-scale project for the construction of the Meghri Hydro-Power Plant will also continue after the sanctions are lifted,” he said.

The Armenia-Iran railway project may also be realized, if the Armenian side finds means for the construction of the Armenian section of the railroad. The Iranian Government is ready to finance the construction of the Julfa-Meghri sector from the state budget, according to Reisi.

Touching upon Azerbaijan’s claims on Iranian territories, the Ambassador noted: “Those claims are groundless, because Azerbaijan was created in 1918. [LMAO!!!]Azerbaijan lays claims on Armenian territories, as well, but one should have a basis for such claims.”

Speaking about the supply of Iranian gas to Armenia and the increase of its volumes, the Ambassador said that presently Armenia receives gas against electricity, and that the increase of the volume depends on decisions by the Armenian authorities.

“In any case, Armenian-Iranian economic relations are sure to rise to a new level after the agreement reached in Geneva,” Ambassador Reisi concluded.

http://asbarez.com/116965/easing-of-iran-sanctions-will-boost-armenian-iranian-cooperation/

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Iran will not invest in Armenian sector of railway – ambassador

December 06, 2013 | 14:04

YEREVAN. – Iran will not make an invest in the Armenian sector of the Iran-Armenia railway.

Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, Mohammad Reisi, noted the aforementioned at a press conference on Friday, and in response to a question posed by the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter.

“Iran has stated that it does not need that railway so much. But if investors are found, our country is ready to build the [Iranian] sector reaching until the Armenian border. As for the Armenian sector [of the railway], Iran stands ready to provide engineering and technical advice there.

“Iran has numerous communication alternatives that enable to maintain the connection with Europe and other regions. But we are committed to the previously signed agreements,” Ambassador Reisi also stressed.

According to most recent calculations, the construction of the Iran-Armenia railway is valued at $3.5 billion.

http://news.am/eng/news/184198.html

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Iran ready to finance construction of its part of railway to Armenia

YEREVAN, December 4. / ARKA /. Iran is ready to finance construction of its own section of a 160 km railway to Armenia, Armenian energy minister Armen Movsisyan said today to a parliament Q&A session.

According to the minister, the Iranian side is ready to begin the construction once Armenia finds investors for the construction of a part of the facility running in the Armenian territory.

Movsisyan also said the work for a $1.5 million worth feasibility study of the project (financed by Asian Development Bank) was almost over.

According to expert estimates, the cost of this project is $1.7-$2.8 billion During December 2 visit to Armenia Russian president Vladimir Putin, described this project as financially complicated, but feasible.

Currently, Armenia has a railway leading to neighboring Georgia. A railway to Iran will open for it an alternative route for transportation of energy and other commodities.

http://arka.am/en/news/economy/iran_ready_to_finance_construction_of_its_part_of_railway_to_armenia_minister_/#sthash.JIBYvHZG.dpuf

Armenia Announces Support to Build Armenia to Iran Railway
By Sam Applegate on Sep 18, 2013

Iranian, Chinese and Russian firms have all shown interest in building the Armenian section of the Iran to Armenia Railway, which will link the country to the Middle and Far East in addition to its current railway links to Europe.

Transport Ministers from Armenia, Iran and Russia got together in November 2011 to discuss the idea which has now been brought to design stage. Such a railway will move energy and raw material freight from Armenia to the east, increasing trade in the country. It currently has freight services running to Georgia and out to Europe.

Armenia-train

Iran meanwhile has been upgrading junctions to accommodate trains from India, China and central Asia. This will make the country a Middle Eastern hub for freight crossing to the east. Armenia will benefit strongly from this investment in infrastructure.

The railway was first mooted by Armenia’s National Security Council for regional security reasons and has recently been declared a priority project. They announced the business interests earlier this week, which will cost between $1.7 to $2.8bn. The country is in talks with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for funding.

http://www.menarailnews.com/armenia-announces-support-build-armenia-iran-railway/

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Iran, Armenia to Get Railway Project off Ground
September 07, 2013 - 14:04

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A top Armenian official said Tehran has expressed readiness to finance the construction of a railway which is due to connect Iran with Armenia.


Iran is ready to cover the expenses for the construction of the Iranian part of the Iran-Armenia railway, Armenpress quoted Secretary of the National Security Council of the Republic of Armenia Arthur Baghdasaryan as saying on Friday.

“Armenia continues the negotiations with Iran on the launch of the construction works of the Iran-Armenia railway”, Baghdasaryan pointed out.

He further added that Yerevan has made the necessary arrangements to provide funding for the Armenian part of the project.

The Armenian official was also quoted as saying that several companies from Russia, China and Iran have shown interest in the railway construction project in his country.

According to experts, around $1.7-2.8 bln is required for implementation of the project.

Iran attaches great importance to constructive interaction with foreign countries, particularly its neighboring states.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in August that Tehran would focus efforts on strengthening relations with Armenia.

“Tehran’s effort will be focused on enhancement of relations (with Armenia) and raising the level of cooperation in all fields,” Rouhani said in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsian at the time.

He also pointed to cultural commonalities between the two neighboring countries, and said, “Relations between Iran and Armenia have been always friendly, close and on the basis of fulfillment of mutual interests.”

http://www.tasnimnews.com/English/Home/Single/134778

[Federate]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Excellent idea and posts Mher, very useful. Importance of these project cannot be understated. Now that Iran is becoming less isolated internationally, hope the railway project and many of our other projects with Iran that are lagging behind pick up speed.

I hope some day eastern parts of Armenia get their own major highways as well. Vardenis-Martakert by the ArmeniaFund is one small step towards this direction.

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Agreement signed on Armenia – Iran rail link

Written by Keith Barrow
Thursday, January 24, 2013


A tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed in Yerevan on January 24 concerning the construction of the Southern Armenia Railway, which will form part of a new north-south corridor linking the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf.

The agreement was signed by representatives of Dubai-based investment fund Rasia FZE, Russian Railways (RZD) subsidiary South Caucasus Railway (SCR), and Armenian minister of transport and communications Mr Gagik Beglaryan. The ceremony was also attended by government officials, ambassadors, and fund managers from Armenia, China, Russia, UAE, and Iran.

The MoU covers the construction of both a 316km railway linking Gavar, 50km east of Yerevan near Lake Sevar, with the Iranian border near Meghri, and a 110km highway in the southern province of Syunik. The total cost of the two projects is expected to be around $US 3bn.

In 2012 Rasia FZE signed two concession agreements with the Armenian government to develop these projects on a PPP basis. The concessions set deadlines for completing feasibility studies, engineering design, project financing, and construction, and both have an operating term of 30 years with an option for a 20 year extension. Feasibility studies began at the end of December, and Rasia FZE has appointed China Communications Construction Company as the "lead member of the development consortium" for the project.

The line will be operated by SCR, which was awarded a 30-year operating concession for Armenia's 1520mm-gauge national network in February 2008. During the ceremony, Mr Victor Rebets, general director of SCR said RZD has invested more than Drams 90bn ($US 225m) in its Armenian operations since it won the concession.

At present the only rail connection between Armenia and Iran is the line which passes through the autonomous region of Nakhchivan, an exclave of Azerbaijan. However, because the border between the two countries is closed the line from Yerevan is operational only as far as Yeraskh.

[*Note: meaning there is no railway at the moment connecting Armenia to Iran, our only friendly neighbor.]

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/news/agreement-signed-on-armenia-%E2%80%93-iran-rail-link.html

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Summarizing above information about North-South Highway:

Description: 556 km Megri-Kapan-Goris-Yerevan-Ashtarak-Gyumri-Bavra highway connection Iran to Georgia
Cost: approximately 1.0-1.5 billion dollars
Funding: $500 Million Loan (Asian Development bank); $100 Million Loan (Eurasian Development Bank); $90 Million Loan (European Bank);
Potential Future Funding: $50-70 million (Japanese International Cooperation Agency)
Projected Completion Date: June 2017
Engineering/Construction Company: Spanish Corsan Corvian Construccion Company
Progress so far (Dec 2013): Roughly 60 %



Official Site:

http://northsouth.am/en

http://northsouth.am/en/categories/44

Official Youtube video with a nice visual of the specific sectional breakdown of the project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBp-LeWu35Q

[Mher]

Re: North-South Highway/Iran-Armenia Railway

Over 40bln drams [$100 Mill] earmarked for North-South road construction in Armenia in 2014

EREVAN, November 6. 2013 /ARKA/.
Under the 2014 draft budget, about 40.4 billion drams is to be appropriated for construction of the North-South highway in Armenia.

In particular, the budget document says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will allocate about 3.3 billion drams for the construction, a 26% increase compared to the 2013 government budget and a 47.5% increase against the 2012 budget execution level.

ADB’s second and third tranches for the project will exceed 19 billion drams in 2014.

The remaining funds for the 2014 construction of the road – over 9.5 billion drams – will be provided by the European Investment Bank.

Earlier Armenia’s minister of transport and communication Gagik Beglaryan said about 60% of the construction will be completed by the end of this year. The 2013 budget appropriations for the construction were 43.3 billion drams. The project is being implemented by Corsan Corvian Construccion.

On January 14 2010 Armenia’s government approved the investment project for construction of North-South road corridor and the framework agreement between Armenia and the Asian Development Bank for 500 million dollars.

The road will extend 556 kilometers to the Black Sea and Europe via Armenia (Meghri-Kapan-Goris-Yerevan-Ashtarak-Giumry-Bavra) and Georgia. ($1=405.77drams).

11:21 06.11.2013

http://arka.am/en/news/economy/over_40bln_drams_earmarked_for_north_south_road_construction_in_armenia/#sthash.XBPQq0qA.dpuf