The Armenian government intends to introduce state-of-the-art technologies working with artificial intelligence in the field of road construction, which will allow to ensure “surgical precision” in repair works.

At the same time, the executive announced the return of an unprecedented amount of about 4 billion dollars to citizens with unplanned social and assistance programs since 2018.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures at the government session on April 9 Davit Khudatyan announced plans to acquire a unique piece of equipment of regional significance: a road stratification system, or “road tomograph.” This technique, worth about 500-600 million drams ($1-1.5 million), will use artificial intelligence to analyze the road surface up to 70 centimeters deep.

According to the minister, the equipment will automatically assess the hidden cracks and injuries while passing the road, suggesting what type and depth of repair is needed in the given area. According to Khudatyan, they bring paving closer to the accuracy and logic of surgery, which will help to clearly separate the need for average and major repairs.

Referring to the introduction of new technology, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noticed that the acquisition of such expensive equipment is not a loss of finances, but a long-term saving, because due to quality and competent repair, the costs of further operation will be significantly reduced.

During the session, the head of the government also spoke about the economic results of the support programs implemented after 2018. He reminded that the state has implemented a number of non-compulsory, incentive programs, including leasing of agricultural equipment, support for border villages, loan subsidies, energy-efficient renovations and income tax refunds.

“As a result of the revolution, since 2018, the state budget has generated an additional amount of around 6 billion dollars. We can record that out of those 6 billion, we have returned 4 billion to the citizens through various programs,” the Prime Minister announced, adding that the increases in pensions and other mandatory payments are not included in this calculation.

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