
ArmInfo. There is virtually no road or railway whose unblocking has not been discussed as part of the unblocking of communications, as stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during government hour on February 11, when responding to a question about whether the restoration of the railway section linking Ijevan with the Azerbaijani railway was discussed during the TRIPP project discussions.
According to the Prime Minister, it should be taken into account that the aforementioned railway section has been disrupted for over 30 years due to a landslide near the village of Haghartsin. However, the issue is being addressed, depending on the volume of traffic that will pass through this section. "That is, if the railway demonstrates potential for utilisation and becomes profitable, this could happen," he said. As Pashinyan pointed out, "our research shows that the shortest route from Azerbaijan to Turkey passes exactly along this route." This transit corridor would span Ijevan - Dilijan - Vanadzor - Jajur - Gyumri - Akhurik (on the Turkish border), covering both rail and road transport.
Pashinyan also touched on his statement yesterday in an interview with Public TV, mentioning that even though the rail communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan is now operational, the domestic business sector has been slow to adjust. "I think the problem is that it is difficult to change habits," he noted. "For 40 years, our logistical approach has been limited to exporting by truck. I officially declare-it is time for this to change," Pashinyan concluded.