Pashinyan says Armenia's railway concession could be sold for $400 million

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes Russia could sell the concession rights to Armenia's railways for approximately $400 million, Report informs via Interfax.

"With Russia, we speak openly, hid e nothing and want an understanding to be formed regarding the railways. My assessment is that today there is an opportunity to sell this concession right for approximately $400 million. I think this is a good opportunity," Pashinyan said during a parliament meeting.

He noted that Armenia respects Russia's interests, but considers it illogical to place the interests of another country above its own.

"We ask and urge [them] to take this path," the prime minister said.

Speaking in parliament while presenting the government's program for 2026-2031, Pashinyan said continued Russian management of Armenia's railways creates a risk that Armenia could miss opportunities to integrate into international railway networks.

Armenia's railway transport system is operated under a concession by South Caucasus Railway CJSC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways. The concession agreement was signed in 2008 for a period of 30 years, with an option to extend it for another 10 years.