ADB to co-finance construction of Sisian-Kajaran road section

ArmInfo. On August 2, Kristina Ghalechyan, the  Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure in Armenia, received members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) fact-finding mission, led by Don Lambert, ADB Resident Representative in Armenia.  As reported by the Road Department Fund, the purpose of the ADB fact-finding mission is to discuss details related to the construction of the 27-kilometer northern section of the Sisian-Kajaran North-South road and the preparation of the loan agreement text.  The department noted that ADB will co-finance the construction of the northern section of the Sisian- Kajaran road in collaboration with the Armenian government. 

During the meeting, the results of the fact-finding mission were summarized. It was emphasized that the North-South project is an important infrastructure project. The mechanisms of cooperation between the bank and the RA government during the project implementation, as well as the development of the potential of the organization implementing the project were discussed.  Special focus was given to the safety systems of bridges and tunnels to be constructed on the specified section of the road. Their standards, operational features, and the importance of using latest methods in these areas were highlighted. 

The participants in the discussion raised issues related to project financing, procurement processes, environmental protection and social impacts.  To note that the "North-South" project is one of the largest in the history of independent Armenia. This road will reduce the distance from the Iranian border to the Georgian border from 556 to 490 kilometers. It will significantly facilitate access to the Black Sea for Armenia and Iran. Currently, the investment program has been implemented with by 10% with $ 800.7 million in loans attracted as of the end of May 2024.