On 27th June, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Kajaran Tunnel marked the launch of one of Armenia’s most important transport infrastructure projects and a major milestone in the development of the country’s North–South Road Corridor.
The event brought together senior representatives of the Governments of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Seyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Mher Grigoryan, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Mr. David Khudatyan, the Deputy Minister, Mrs. Kristine Ghalechyan, the Executive Director of the Road Department Fund, Mr. Arkadi Cherchinyan, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Armenia, Mr. Andrea Peduto, IRD Engineering’s Country Manager Mr. Tigran Mesropyan, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the National Assembly, and other distinguished guests.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the official signing of the construction contract for the Kajaran Tunnel, formally launching the implementation phase of this landmark project.
The detailed design of the Kajaran Tunnel was prepared by the IRD Engineering – GPINGEGNERIA srl Joint Venture, whose engineering solutions laid the foundation for the successful realization of this strategic investment.
For more than a decade, IRD Engineering has been actively supporting the development of Armenia’s transport infrastructure, contributing to major road and motorway projects through design, supervision, technical assistance, and consultancy services.
The Kajaran Tunnel represents another important achievement in IRD’s long-standing commitment to improving connectivity, safety, and sustainable mobility across the country.
As a key component of the North–South Road Corridor, the Kajaran Tunnel will significantly enhance connectivity in southern Armenia. The project includes the construction of a 7.2 km tunnel and approximately 4 km of approach roads. Once completed, it will bypass the Meghri Mountain Pass, improve road safety, shorten the existing route by approximately 14 km, increase average travel speeds from 50 km/h to 80 km/h, and reduce travel times by around 40 minutes.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026 and be completed within six years.
The Kajaran Tunnel represents a transformative investment in Armenia’s transport infrastructure, strengthening regional connectivity, enhancing transport resilience, and supporting the country’s long-term economic development.
We are proud that the IRD Engineering – GPI Joint Venture contributed to the realization of this strategic project and look forward to seeing it take shape over the coming years.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@irdeng.com