ArmInfo. The interaction between Russia and Armenia in the transport field is developing steadily, Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky, who heads the Russian delegation at the 7th Russian-Armenian Interregional Forum, said during the forum.
"First of all, Russia is implementing agreements to improve the functioning of Upper Lars multilateral road checkpoint. In November this year, work will be completed to optimize the functioning, in particular, the number of traffic lanes on the approach to the checkpoint will increase from one to four, which will certainly significantly improve the transport situation, "he explained.
In addition, in the field of railway transport, the implementation of the concession agreement on the transfer of the railway system of Armenia to South Caucasus Railway CJSC is underway. "Russia has invested more than $ 250 million in the railway system of Armenia. Obligations to invest in infrastructure and renewal of rolling stock are carried out significantly running over the schedule set by the agreement," he concluded.
To recall the former military road through the Upper Lars checkpoint has been the only land route ensuring Armenia's connection with Russia since the beginning of the 1990s. The checkpoint is periodically closed - in the winter due to avalanches, and in the spring - due to mudflows. The need to create an alternative to the "Upper Lars" road was mentioned by the former Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan at a government meeting on January 26. The roads connecting Georgia and Russia through conflict zones of South Ossetia and Abkhasia could become alternative if a political solution is found.
