2.4 Armenia Railway Assessment

Armenia's railway network plays a pivotal role in the nation’s transportation and logistics infrastructure. The system extends over 845 km of electrified lines, powered by a 3kV DC system. The terrain is mountainous, leading to challenging routes with steep gradients and narrow curves. The network forms a rough "Y" shape, with lines radiating from a central hub just south of Yerevan. Currently WFP is using railroad to import commodities from Georgian Port Poti/Batumi, segment of railroad is from Border Georgia /Armenia (rail station Ayrum) to Rail station Vanadzor.

Key Railway Segments and Usage

• Northeast Branch: This line runs parallel to Route M24 toward Azerbaijan. Historically, this line was a primary conduit for cargo entering Armenia. However, the conflict with Azerbaijan has led to the closure of this line at the international border since the early 1990s, significantly impacting the Armenian economy.

• Northwest Branch: This segment is currently operational and serves as a vital link for Armenia’s trade, especially for imports from Georgian ports such as Poti and Batumi. The route starts from the Georgian border at Ayrum and proceeds to Vanadzor, passing through several important towns and cities in northwestern Armenia.

• Southern Branch: This line extends towards the Turkish border and into Nakhichevan. Due to the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan, service on this part of the rail network has been halted.

Most of Armenia's imported goods arrive by rail, constituting around 85% of all imports. The current operational routes primarily connect with Georgia, facilitating trade and transportation despite regional geopolitical challenges.

Railway Concession and Developments

In 2007, the Russian company RZD won the tender to operate the Armenian railways under a 30-year concession. The operation was rebranded as South Caucasus Railways (SCR), which officially began business in June 2008. Under this agreement, SCR acquired Armenian Railways' assets, including:

• 2,000 freight wagons
• 58 passenger coaches
• 85 locomotives
• 30 electric trains

Efforts to modernize and expand the network are ongoing, with feasibility studies exploring the construction of a new 316 km electrified railway to link Armenia's network with Gavar and the Iranian border at Meghri. This proposed Southern Armenia Railway, also known as the Armenia-Iran Railway, aims to complete the North-South Transport Corridor, improving regional connectivity and trade.

Detailed Railway Information

• Track Gauge: 1.52 meters (1520 mm), compatible with Russian gauge standards.
• Total Track Distance: 845 km of electrified tracks.
• Key Connection Points:

From the northern rail station at Ayrum (border with Georgia) to Vanadzor and further      south to Yerevan and other regions.

A significant spur at Gyumri connects with the Turkish rail system, although a gauge difference requires reloading for cross-border trade.

 For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List

Railway Assets and Infrastructure

• Locomotives: 85
• Freight Wagons (covered): 2,000

Travel Time Matrix

Capacity and Connectivity

The railway system is a crucial link for Armenia's import-export operations, especially through the connection at Ayrum, which links with Georgian RC at Sadakhlo. The main segment for imports is from the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi to Yerevan, approximately 200 km from Ayrum to Yerevan by road.

Future Development Prospects

The proposed Armenia-Iran Railway holds significant potential to enhance regional trade routes and economic integration. The project, managed by Rasia Group under a 30-year concession, aims to establish a vital connection between Armenia and Iran, facilitating the North-South Transport Corridor and bolstering Armenia's position in regional logistics.

Railway tariffs

For transporting cargo by rail from Georgia to Armenia, freight forwarding is a practical solution due to the international sanctions affecting the South Caucasus Railway (a subsidiary of Russian Railways). This means the railway can only operate effectively within Armenia, limiting its cross-border functionality.