Yerevan, Armenia – Yerevan city authorities announced on Tuesday that funds initially earmarked for the construction of a new Ajapnyak metro station have been redirected to the purchase of trolleybuses, drawing renewed criticism over stalled metro expansion plans in the capital.
Metro Funds Diverted to Trolleybuses
Mayor Tigran Avinyan told a meeting of the Yerevan City Council that budget allocations for the Ajapnyak station had been sharply revised this year, with most of the money instead used to buy 45 new trolleybuses scheduled to arrive in early 2026. This decision has ignited debate among city officials and opposition councillors.
Decades of Discussion, No Construction
Plans to construct the Ajapnyak station have been discussed for decades, with another attempt mounted in recent years, resulting in a detailed project proposal. City officials have repeatedly described it as a priority infrastructure project expected to significantly increase metro passenger numbers, but construction has yet to begin.
Avinyan attributed the project’s delay to its technical complexity, noting that the station falls into the highest category of construction difficulty and that expert assessments alone took about a year. He insisted the station would eventually be built and said additional funding was planned in the 2026 budget for preparatory work.
Opposition Criticizes Fund Reallocation
Opposition councillors criticised the decision to reallocate funds mid-year, arguing that money budgeted for construction should not have been diverted to other needs. They said the move highlighted a broader pattern of postponing long-term infrastructure projects in favour of quicker transport solutions.
The discussion also revived scrutiny of Avinyan’s 2023 election pledge to open another metro station near the Petak wholesale market by adding stair access to an existing elevated line. Councillors said that promise has since been overlooked and was not addressed during Tuesday’s session.
City Officials Defend Trolleybus Purchase
City officials defended the trolleybus purchase as a necessary step to improve public transport capacity, while maintaining that metro expansion remains part of Yerevan’s long-term plans. No specific timeline was given for when construction of the Ajapnyak station might begin.
The purchase of 45 new trolleybuses is intended to enhance the city’s public transport network, addressing immediate needs for increased capacity and efficiency. These new vehicles are expected to be operational by early 2026, offering an alternative solution to the growing demand for public transportation in Yerevan.
Long-Term Metro Vision Remains
Despite the current diversion of funds, the long-term vision for metro expansion in Yerevan remains a stated priority for city authorities. The technical challenges associated with the Ajapnyak station, including its complex geological conditions and the extensive expert assessments required, have significantly contributed to the delays. The proposed additional funding in the 2026 budget for preparatory work suggests that the project is not entirely abandoned, but its commencement is still some time away.
The debate surrounding the Ajapnyak metro station and the trolleybus purchase underscores the ongoing challenges Yerevan faces in developing its urban infrastructure. Balancing immediate public transport needs with long-term strategic projects continues to be a key concern for city planners and residents alike.
Source: civilnet.am
