Iran-Armenia Link to Cost over $1bln

TEHRAN (FNA)- A railroad connecting Iran and Armenia will cost at least $1bln, said Vladimir Yakunin, head of Russian Railways (RZD) which operates the Armenian railway network.

Russian Railways will act as a contractor if Iran, Russia and Armenia agree on financing, he said, adding that Armenian and Russian Presidents discussed the project during a recent meeting.

Earlier, Armenian Minister of Transport and Communications Gurgen Sargsyan said the construction can take some five years.

Presently, three projects are being considered. The first supposes departure from Yeraskh, the second from Vardenis and the third from Gagarin, extending for 443, 449 and 397 km respectively.

Armenia favors the project which supposes the start of communication in Gagarin and then through Gavar, Martuni and Jermuk. 80 km of the line will extend through Iran, going as far as Merant station.