YEREVAN — The official launch ceremony for the construction of the Kajaran Tunnel was held with the participation of Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, and other guests.
The guests first toured two already excavated tunnels along the 32-kilometer Kajaran-Agarak road section, where they were briefed on the large-scale work carried out so far.
Following the tour, a formal signing ceremony was held for the construction contract of the Kajaran Tunnel.
The construction of the Kajaran Tunnel is one of the stages of the North-South Highway project. It will make it possible to fully operate a significant part of the southern section of the corridor, which is considered a priority.
With the construction of the Kajaran Tunnel, the current route will be shortened by about 14 kilometers. The average speed of vehicles will increase from 50 kilometers per hour to 80 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time by approximately 40 minutes.
The tunnel will bypass the Meghri Pass, located 2,535 meters above sea level. This will significantly improve road safety and help avoid the difficulties associated with ensuring the pass remains accessible during the winter months.
The Kajaran Tunnel construction project will be implemented with a $200 million loan provided by the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, along with approximately $195 million in co-financing from the Government of Armenia.
Construction work is set to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed within six years.
As part of the project, not only the 7.2-kilometer Kajaran Tunnel will be built, but also about 4 kilometers of approach roads.
The roadway inside the tunnel will have two traffic lanes and sidewalks, with a total width of 10.6 meters.
To ensure emergency stops for vehicles, an additional three-meter-wide extension of the traffic lane will be provided every 250 meters. An emergency evacuation exit will also be built beneath the tunnel.
A contract for the construction of the Kajaran Tunnel and its approach roads will be signed with the Iranian joint venture formed by Abat Rahan Pars International Group and Tunnel Sad Ariana.
The Kajaran Tunnel construction project is financed by the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development and the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
