The construction of the Kajaran Tunnel is part of the North-South highway project, which will enable the full operation of the southern section considered a priority.
The construction of the Kajaran Tunnel will reduce the current route by about 14 km, increasing the average speed of vehicles from 50 km/h to 80 km/h, and shortening travel time by about 40 minutes.
The tunnel will bypass the Meghri pass, located at an altitude of 2535 m above sea level, which will significantly increase road safety and provide an opportunity to avoid difficulties related to the pass's accessibility in winter.
The Kajaran Tunnel construction project will be implemented with a loan of 200 million USD provided by the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development and approximately 195 million USD co-financed by the Government of Armenia.
Construction work is set to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed within 6 years.
In addition to the Kajaran Tunnel, which will have a total length of 7.2 km, about 4 km of approach roads will also be constructed. The road inside the tunnel will have two traffic lanes and sidewalks with a total width of 10.6 meters.
To ensure emergency stops for vehicles, an additional 3-meter widening of the tunnel's traffic lane is planned every 250 meters. An exit will also be constructed under the tunnel for evacuation purposes in case of emergencies.
A contract for the construction of the Kajaran Tunnel and approach roads will be signed with the Iranian company "Abad Rahan Pars International Group" and the joint venture "Tunnel Sad Ariana".
The Kajaran Tunnel construction project is financed by the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development and the Government of Armenia.
