DUSHANBE July 22, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan-bound trains now do not face any problems while passing through Uzbek territory, deputy head of Tajik Railways (Tajik state railway company), Usmon Qalandarov, told journalists in Dushanbe on July 22.

“The incumbent management of Tajik Railways does not have any problems with Uzbek authorities and Tajik train now pass through Uzbek territory without difficulty,” said Qalandarov.  “All arising issues are solved by one phone call.”

Moreover, Tajik and Uzbek railway authorities have reportedly agreed to cut tariffs for transit transportation.

“At the beginning of this year, Tajikistan has cut tariffs for transit transportation of some commodities from and to Uzbekistan by 50 percent.  We are waiting for such actions from the Uzbek side as well,” said Tajik railway official.  “We have prepared our proposals and our Uzbek colleagues are currently considering them.”

He further added that although transit traffic had fallen 83 percent over the first six months of this year compared to the same period of 2009, transit traffic showed upward trend in growth.

We will recall that President Emomali Rahmon sacked the chief of Tajik Railways Amonullo Hukumatullo on February 4, 2014.  Amonullo Hukumatullo, who according to some sources is a relative of President Rahmon, was replaced by Asad Zoirov.  On February 28, 2014, Asad Zoirov resigned of his own accord and Komil Mirzoaliyev, formerly the first deputy head of Tajik Railways, was appointed to head Tajik Railways.  Mirzoaliyev was appointed the first deputy head of Tajik Railways on February 20, replacing Vladimir Sobkalov, reportedly retired on a pension for age reasons.  Before that, Mirzoaliyev had served as director of Guest House Tajikistan in Moscow