Azim Ibrohim, the Minister of Transport of Tajikistan, has directed subordinate institutions to organize a pilot railway train along a new multimodal corridor connecting China to Europe through Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkiye. This directive was issued during an extended board meeting of the Ministry of Transport held in Dushanbe on July 12, where the results of the first half of the year were reviewed and future tasks were discussed, ASIA-Plus informed.
The initiative shows the strategic importance of railway transport for Tajikistan, which Ibrohim has previously highlighted as a critical sector for the nation. During his address at the “Development of International Transport Corridors Passing through the Countries of Asia and the Middle East” session at the 15th International Economic Forum “Russia -- Islamic World” in Kazan on May 17, Ibrohim emphasized the vital role of railway transport in meeting the country’s economic and logistical needs. Railway transport currently handles over 70% of Tajikistan's cargo shipments.
The minister's recent instructions include not only the organization of the pilot train but also plans to build new transit railroads and progressively modernize the country’s rolling stock. These measures aim to bolster the efficiency and capacity of Tajikistan’s railway network, aligning with the broader goal of developing economic and transport multimodal corridors that integrate with South-East Asia, Central Asia, Russia, Iran, Turkiye, and Europe.
The Tajik government has committed approximately $75.5mn to over ten projects focused on enhancing the railway sector. Special emphasis is placed on the development of the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkiye corridor, which is recognized for its role in regional economic integration. This corridor provides a direct route from China through Central Asia and connects to the North-South Corridor (NSC), facilitating efficient and uninterrupted movement of goods.
In parallel with Tajikistan's initiatives, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan have discussed the construction of a new railway line, connecting Turgundi to Herat, Kandahar, and Spin-Buldak, with potential extensions to Pakistan and India. This railway project was a focal point of discussions at the first-ever transport trade-export forum “North-South” held in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on July 19-20. The proposed line aims to enhance connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia, further integrating regional transport networks.
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