ArmInfo. The executive body of Armenia has defined the specifics of organizing construction work and procuring related services for the unfinished section of the Babajanyan-Ashtarak highway in Yerevan.
During the Armenian government meeting on April 18, it was noted that the decision was necessary due to the existence of an unfinished section of road infrastructure on the Babajanyan-Ashtarak highway in Yerevan, extending up to 270 meters. This section is an integral part of the road section constructed under the Sustainable Urban Investment Program, Tranche 2 (SUIP-2) loan program, financed by the Asian Development Bank. It was recalled that construction work on the specified section of the road had not been fully completed under the preliminary contract due to legal disputes arising during the alienation of property located in the road's impact zone and restrictions imposed by the court as a result of these disputes.
The purpose of the decision is to establish the necessary legal and organizational framework for organizing construction work and procurement processes for technical supervision services for the specified unfinished section, ensuring the necessary preconditions for commencing full-scale construction of the interchange and the effective operation of the road transport system.
Kristine Ghalechyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, noted that the ban has been lifted, so it is necessary to begin construction work immediately, which will ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic on this section. She stated that the design documentation must be revised before work can begin. The existing designs were developed and approved back in 2015-16, and during this time, physical and engineering changes have occurred at the site. According to Galechyan, the decision establishes special conditions for organizing procurement processes to ensure the effective implementation of the project. She believes the established rules will ensure competitive and transparent procedures and will help manage contract execution risks, given the project's high public significance.
Commenting on the decision, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the project is of great importance, as both sides of this section of the road are ready, making it possible to implement it as quickly as possible. Addressing Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, the Prime Minister emphasized that close coordination between the Yerevan authorities and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is essential to avoid further delays.
Avinyan presented the project details, noting that actual work is expected to begin within the next 1-1.5 months. He also confirmed that the procurement will be handled by a single entity.
