Yerevan/Mediamax/.   Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea and head of the Yerevan Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Valeriu Razlog visited the stations of "Andranik Zoravar", "Republic Square" and "Yeritasardakan" of the Yerevan Metro where they got acquainted with the results of the program of Yerevan Metro reconstruction program.

Director of the Yerevan Metro Paylak Yayloyan stated that during the first phase of the program implemented by the EBRD, EU and European Investment Bank, EUR15mln was invested. The funds were meant for enhancement of security and energetic efficiency of the Yerevan Metro, Mediamax reports.

"Owing to the investments, we repaired the trains, fully updated the high-voltage cables and modernized the pomp stations. As of now, the first phase of the program is completed by 70%", said the head of the Metro.

He stressed that the program doesn't envisage opening of new stations.

Paylak Yayloyan also said that owing to the effective use of funds in the first phase of the program, they managed to upgrade 10 coaches.

The second phase of the program started in August 2012 and additional EUR15mln was allocated for it. EBRD issued a loan at EUR5mln which will be co-funded by the credit tranche of the European Investment bank at EUR5mln and investment grant (EUR5mln) of the European Neighborhood Instrument till the end of 2012.

Traian Hristea noted that the results of the works are tangible.

"However, we should do more so as the citizens could feel the result of the program. I think we should work out a general transport strategy which would link the Metro to other transport means, particularly with the bus stops", said the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia.

Head of the EBRD Yerevan Office Valeriu Razlog was happy to note in his turn that the Yerevan Metro managed to save considerable funds. "I can say that it's one of the most successful programs implemented by the EBRD in Armenia", concluded Valeriu Razlog.