Russia involved in Iran-Armenia rail project

Russian Transport Minister, Igor Levitin stated that a research institute in Russia is working on a feasibility study for the construction of railway connecting Iran and Armenia. A working group has been created consisting of specialists as well as deputy Ministers of Transport of Armenia, Iran and Russia. Armenian Transport and Communications minister, Manuk Vardanyan stated that the participants are introducing their visions for the project. He added that discussions of the project are moving forward step-by-step; the first step being the feasibility study and an assessment of the finances needed. The overall cost of the project should be USD 1.7-2 billion. The total length of the railway is 540 km – 60 km on Iranian territory and 480 km in Armenia. The Asian Development Bank, as well as the World Bank has expressed an interest in investing in the project.