Once dubbed the 'tunnel of death,' Tajikistan's 330-kilometer highway connecting Dushanbe to Kujand was a nightmare for drivers. Winding through the rugged Zarafshan mountains, its treacherous curves and crumbling infrastructure claimed countless lives. But today? It’s a symbol of rebirth.
Road to Prosperity ✨🚙
Thanks to international collaboration, this vital route has been rebuilt with modern engineering. Improved tunnels, safer bridges, and smoother asphalt now make it a lifeline for trade and travel. Local vendors like Farhod, who sells dried fruits at roadside stops, say business has tripled: 'Before, trucks avoided this road. Now, it’s filled with hope.'
Building Bridges, Literally and Figuratively 🌉🤝
The project involved engineers from the Chinese mainland, Turkey, and the EU, blending expertise to tackle the Zarafshan’s challenges. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) played a key role, emphasizing regional connectivity. For Tajikistan—a country where 93% of the land is mountainous—this highway isn’t just infrastructure; it’s economic oxygen.
What’s next? Plans to extend the route into Uzbekistan could turn Central Asia into a buzzing hub for cross-border commerce. 🌐💼
