The problem of traffic congestion in Yerevan has reached a crisis point, and a special task force will be created to address it, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during the Cabinet meeting on October 16.

“We have a real problem related to the number of cars. Yesterday, I personally witnessed the situation in the city center around 6:20 p.m. It was so congested that you couldn’t even get through on a bicycle. If cars keep being brought in, we need to have a clear understanding of where they are supposed to go,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that he has instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, and Yerevan City Hall to form a crisis team to systematically analyze the problem and develop solutions.

He described the traffic jams in downtown Yerevan as horrendous.

The Prime Minister stressed that the issue is not just about heavy traffic—it also has psychological and social consequences.

“These traffic jams affect people’s nerves. They go home irritated, go online, and that negative energy spreads further. This is, in the literal sense, a crisis. We cannot allow such a situation to continue—this is no longer just congestion; it’s turning into chaos,” Pashinyan emphasized.

He also addressed the potential of alternative transportation, such as bicycles and electric bikes, as a means to help ease the situation.

“There are electric bikes now that let you ride uphill without much effort. It’s better to sweat a little than to sit for hours in traffic and get frustrated,” the Prime Minister added.

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1232292