ArmInfo. Construction work on the Kajaran-Agarak tunnel of the North-South transport corridor is entering a new phase. Waterproofing work on the 455-meter tunnel has been completed, and concreting is gaining momentum. This was reported by the Road Department Foundation.
According to the source, waterproofing is a key step in the tunnel's operational life, ensuring its durability and safety. Following the successful completion of the waterproofing process, construction crews have moved on to the next important stage: concreting the tunnel, which is currently proceeding at a rapid pace.
The Kajaran-Agarak section is a key component of the project, the completion of which will improve transport efficiency, reduce travel times, and strengthen regional connections. Construction work is ongoing, adhering to the highest quality and safety standards.
The North-South Road Corridor Investment Program is being implemented by the Road Department Foundation.
It is worth noting that the 32-kilometer Kajaran-Agarak section in Armenia's Syunik Province is being constructed by an Iranian consortium, specifically Abad Rahan Pars International Group and Tunnel Sadd Ariana. The project is a key component of the North-South Corridor, ensuring rapid construction. It is also worth noting that the new 60-kilometer Sisian-Kajaran road will be of Category II technical standard. It will traverse challenging mountainous terrain and include 27 bridges with a total length of 4.7 km and nine tunnels with a total length of 12.5 km (the longest, the Bargushat Tunnel, is approximately 8.6 km long). The prequalification stage of the international tender for this project has been completed, with 23 companies from Europe, China, and other countries submitting bids. Of the EU's overall ?2.6 billion financial assistance package to Armenia over the next five years, ?600 million will be allocated for the construction of the Kajaran-Sisian road. An additional $150 million will be provided by the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, managed by the Eurasian Development Bank. The ADB has already allocated $500 million. The 60 km section of the road will have a design speed of 80 km/h. The North-South project will reduce the distance from the Iranian border to the Georgian border from 556 to 490 kilometers. The road will significantly facilitate access to the Black Sea not only for Armenia but also for Iran. The project will provide access to the Black Sea and European countries through Armenia (Meghri-Kapan-Goris-Yerevan-Ashtarak-Gyumri-Bavra) and Georgia. Construction of the corridor was initially planned for completion in 2019. The program's cost has been constantly revised upward. In September 2012, when construction of the highway began, the amount quoted by Armenian government representatives was significantly lower - $962 million; today, the investment is estimated at approximately $3 billion.
