News - Armenia's Forward-Looking Efforts for the Completion of the Babajanyan-Ashtarak Highway

April 18, 2026 - The Armenian government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is set to address the long-overdue completion of the Babajanyan-Ashtarak highway. This significant progress comes as the government unveils new, unique conditions for procuring essential services needed to finish the incomplete 270-meter section of the road. This segment is a crucial part of a broader infrastructure enhancement initiative, generously supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under Pashinyan's leadership, previous bureaucratic and legal obstacles have been successfully resolved, paving the way for swift action to begin on this vital infrastructure project. The initiative employs an innovative approach to public procurement, streamlining processes to ensure that construction work can commence without delay. Efforts are focused on ensuring the safe and efficient flow of traffic, which has been an increasing concern for the community due to prolonged construction delays. The proposal includes a comprehensive review and overhaul of the procurement guidelines to align them with international best practices, ensuring transparency and efficiency in contract awards. This strategic shift is expected to not only finalize the highway but also set a precedent for future infrastructure projects throughout Armenia. With construction slated to start in the coming months, coordination with municipal authorities is crucial to minimize disruptions while optimizing traffic management strategies during the construction phase. Municipal officials express optimism that the highway’s completion will greatly enhance local connectivity and economic development in the region. The Armenian government’s decisive action serves as a model of how innovative procurement methods and strong governmental oversight can lead to successful project completion. This project represents not only a significant advancement in infrastructure but also a bold declaration of Armenia's commitment to modernization and public service efficiency.