Why Are the Tunnels from Georgia to Russia Well-Lit While the Dilijan Tunnel Is Dark? A Question Raised by a MP to the Deputy Minister

During a meeting of the Permanent Commission on Financial and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly, MP Narek Grigoryan from the ruling Civil Contract party asked Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Kristine Galachyan why the tunnels leading to Russia via Georgia are well-lit while the Dilijan tunnel remains in darkness. He questioned how this issue will be resolved.

Galachyan acknowledged that the problem is not limited to lighting; it also involves fire safety, evacuation systems, and several other issues. She added, “Moreover, we are committed to integrating the safety requirements for tunnels set by the European Union. This includes additional requirements regarding lighting and other safety measures that need to be implemented. We have hired an international consulting firm that has conducted a comprehensive study and proposed solutions. This includes a reevaluation of the lighting to fully meet high safety standards.”

According to her, since the restoration costs for the Dilijan tunnel will be quite high, and the construction of a new tunnel would be almost equivalent in cost, such an analysis indicates that the existing tunnel can be used as an evacuation tunnel or for traffic expansion. Therefore, building a new tunnel with updated standards is deemed more advisable.