DUSHANBE , July 19, Asia -Plus - At present 19 projects are being implemented in the transportation sector in Tajikistan , Minister of Transport Abdurrahim Ashurov remarked at a briefing in Dushanbe on July 18.  

According to him, the second phase of the project for rehabilitation of the road Dushanbe-Vahdat-Nurobod-Kyrgyz border was launched in late June.  In July, the rehabilitation of the road Dushanbe-Khujand-Uzbek border officially commenced.  

The minister also noted that an official opening of the Anzob tunnel would be held on July 25-26.  

Besides, the construction of a 5-kilometer Shahriston tunnel in northern Tajikistan will officially commenced on August 15.  This project is designed for 2? years.  

On August 20, the construction of the Shar-Shar tunnel in southern Tajikistan will start with participation of China ’s investments.  The tunnel is supposed to be 2,235 meters in length.

The minister also noted that currently they were conducted negotiations with Iran ’s Transportation Ministry on the construction of a tunnel on the Chormaghzak pass, on the highway from Dushanbe to Norak.  “At present thee different projects for the construction of this tunnel are under consideration,” said Abdurrahim Ashurov, “ Tajikistan prefers the project aimed at the construction of a 3-kilometer tunnel.” 

The minister also noted that the second phase of the project for the construction of the Shkev-Zighar section of the road Kulob-Darvoz would start in August.  “Tajik association “Taqdim”, grouping three construction, has applied for participation in the tender for implementation of this project,” Mr. Ashurov said.   

The construction of the Tajik-Afghan bridge over the Panj River in the settlement of Panji Poyon, Khatlon Province , is ongoing.  It is already the fourth bridge over the Panj River linking Tajikistan and Afghanistan , according to the minister.  “Three other such bridges are supposed to be built within the next few years,” Mr. Ashurov said.  

Speaking to journalists the transport minister also noted that there were a number of problems with regulation of conveyance of passengers and activities of terminals.