The emergency arbitrator’s order was issued on Sept. 16, 2026, as part of expedited arbitration proceedings initiated by VIA, according to the ministry.

The arbitrator rejected two of VIA’s three requests, including its bid to suspend the termination of the concession agreement and the termination notice. The ministry said the arbitrator found that neither the contract nor the evidence submitted provided sufficient legal grounds to suspend the termination.

As a result, the termination of the concession agreement has taken effect, the ministry said.

The arbitrator also rejected VIA’s request for the ministry to enter mediation and appoint a mediator, as well as its request to postpone the start of arbitration proceedings by two months.

The arbitrator did, however, order a temporary, short-term measure to preserve the status quo. The measure temporarily limits the exercise of certain rights arising from the termination and will remain in force until the arbitration tribunal is constituted and takes up the case, the ministry said.

The ministry stressed that the interim measure does not affect the validity or effectiveness of the termination of the concession agreement.

The emergency arbitrator also ordered VIA to bear the costs of the expedited arbitration proceedings.

The ministry said it would continue preparing the next steps arising from the termination while complying with the interim measure until the arbitration tribunal is constituted. It said it would notify VIA that the termination of the concession agreement had taken effect.

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