OMM Redaksiyası
Armenia and Russia will set up a joint working group to examine problems with railway infrastructure and identify possible solutions. The agreement was reached at a meeting in Yerevan between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Oleg Belozerov, head of Russian Railways.
According to the Armenian government’s press service, the parties agreed to determine the next steps as soon as possible. They discussed upgrading railway infrastructure, as well as management and operational challenges.
Pashinyan said restoring regional transport links could make Armenia’s railway network more competitive and connect the country more closely with its neighbors and international trade routes. The parties also reviewed plans to rebuild the Gyumri–Akhurik–Turkish border and Yeraskh–Nakhchivan railway sections.
Armenia considers changing railway management
The meeting took place amid discussions about the future of Armenia’s railway network, which is operated by South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways.
In February 2026, Pashinyan proposed transferring the management rights from Russia to another country that maintains friendly relations with both Yerevan and Moscow. He named Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan as possible alternatives. He said Russian control of the railway was harming Armenia’s ability to compete in regional transport projects.
On July 30, Pashinyan said Armenia had financial claims of $2 billion against Russia related to the railway concession. He said the infrastructure belonged to Armenia and that Yerevan could pursue legal avenues, including arbitration. However, Pashinyan stressed that he preferred to settle the dispute through negotiations.
Belozerov said Russian Railways continued to meet its obligations under the concession agreement. He said the company would seek compensation for its investments if Armenia terminated or amended the agreement. Earlier reports, citing Russia’s assessment, said more than 30 billion rubles had been invested in Armenia’s railway network since the concession began.
Railway plans linked to regional transport connections
Armenia and Azerbaijan are working to restore transport links in the region. At a summit in Washington on August 8, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pashinyan signed a joint declaration on developing regional connectivity in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The document envisages unimpeded transport between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenian territory, as well as potential benefits for Armenia’s domestic and international connections. The declaration also includes the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), involving Armenia, the United States and mutually agreed third parties.
On May 26, 2026, Armenia and the United States released a framework document on cooperation under TRIPP and announced plans to develop the project into a regional trade route. Restoring railway links toward Türkiye and Nakhchivan is part of Armenia’s plans to strengthen its position in regional transport networks.
The new working group will examine infrastructure and management issues affecting Armenia’s railways. The parties have not yet announced specific solutions or changes to the existing concession agreement.
