July 30, 2010 - 16:15 AMT
Construction works of ropeway leading to Tatev monastery are at final stage

Head of construction works of the ropeway and infrastructures Artashes Ghazakhetsyan said that the construction works of the ropeway leading to Tatev monastery are at the final stage.

Swiss experts have already installed the equipment. Now they implement wiring works, Ghazakhetsyan told journalists.

“The works will be completed until September, after which we will launch the test stage, so that the ropeway is put into commission until October 16. A special commission will be invited from Europe to test the ropeway's safety. It will provide its conclusion on the ropeway's compliance with international standards,” said Ghazakhetsyan.

A PanArmenian.Net correspondent reported from Tatev that the ropeway is 5.7km-long, with highest point at 330m. Its cable cars will be able to cover the distance to Tatev monastery complex during 11 minutes and 25 seconds. It will be the longest bidirectional ropeway in the world.