What Will the 'Ajapnyak' Metro Station Look Like?

The preliminary version of the project envisions the construction of a bridge over the Hrazdan River exclusively for the metro, but 'MetroGiproTrans' is also proposing to build a second 'level' for vehicles and pedestrians. The Russian loan allocated for the construction of the bridge and metro station in Yerevan is expected to receive approval soon. This information was provided to Sputnik Armenia by Valeri Abramson, the chairman of the board of directors of 'MetroGiproTrans'.

On November 20, a ceremony took place at the city hall to hand over the contract for the design of the metro section leading to the 'Ajapnyak' station (the company won the competition in October) to 'MetroGiproTrans'. During his visit to Yerevan, Abramson discussed the development of the metro with the city mayor Hayk Marutyan and the leadership of the Ministry of Economy.

The Ministry of Economy informed Abramson that the Armenian government is likely to approve the loan for the construction of the bridge and station within the next week. "The loan concerns a $500 million financing proposal from the Russian agency for export credits and investment insurance. It is expected to be provided for a long term with a low-interest rate," said Abramson.

If the loan agreement is approved, the company will attempt to negotiate with the Yerevan City Hall and the government to revise the sequence of the design work, considering that preparatory work is necessary before construction can begin. In that case, the project could be divided into several phases to expedite the commencement of construction. It is anticipated that this could be achievable within a year. If the loan is not secured, construction will depend on financing from another source, which should last 1.5 years.

The contract with the Yerevan City Hall only involves the implementation of the specified technical task related to the bridge construction for the metro. Two options for the station’s location are being considered: underground and on the bridge. "In our conversation with the mayor, we agreed that an underground station is preferable since it would be much more convenient for metro users," Abramson stated.

In the sketches, it can be seen that the design of the station will incorporate decorative elements based on the façade of the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin. Construction of retail and entertainment complexes adjacent to the metro has not been included in the technical task, which the city hall previously announced.

“However, it is very possible that we could negotiate and assist the Yerevan City Hall in developing part of the adjacent area. When we spoke with Hayk Marutyan, he mentioned plans to construct both underground and above-ground parking. A parking area is also planned for people coming from distant regions so that they can leave their cars there,” Abramson noted.

'MetroGiproTrans' could offer its solutions as it is quite feasible to implement them within the framework of the station construction project. This would require slight adjustments to the current technical task.

"Two-level bridge" He highlighted that the city hall is positively disposed towards such adjustments. This also pertains to the possibility of constructing a two-level bridge over the Hrazdan Gorge, not only for the metro but for vehicles and pedestrians as well. "If this opportunity arises, we need to agree with the city and the state on whether they want to build a two-level bridge. The idea has been well-received by everyone. I also suggested to the mayor to include walking areas for pedestrians on the bridge. It would be beautiful and pleasant for people. There could be restaurants with panoramic views there. It won’t be too expensive since the bridge is being built anyway," Abramson added.

A sketch of the bridge crossing over the Hrazdan gorge from 'MetroGiproTrans' and the scheme of the new metro station and bridge have been detailed in previous plans. Earlier, Yerevan's former chief architect Arthur Meshchyan noted that the new metro station will be built on a bridge over the Hrazdan River. The project’s cost has not been disclosed. The business plan the city hall is considering includes two components: building a shopping center next to the 'Ajapnyak' metro station and updating the nearby outdated residential fund. According to the city hall's plans, the road leading to the new 525-meter-long metro station should pass through a tunnel, construction of which started back in the Soviet era and remains unfinished. At that time, the 'Ajapnyak' station was also left incomplete. The project includes extending the metro from Davtashen to the northwestern district of the capital.