Tajikistan’s geographic isolation and mountainous territory results in high transport and logistics costs, which makes it uncompetitive in international and regional markets. During project appraisal in 2012, connectivity and mobility were further constrained by rapidly deteriorating roads and a fragmented railway network. Recognizing the importance of improving transport infrastructure in promoting economic development and reducing poverty, the government sought the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address transport bottlenecks, particularly in the road subsector, which dominates the country’s transport system.
In response, ADB approved a grant of $100 million in September 2012 for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 6 (Ayni–Uzbekistan Border Road) Improvement Project. The project aimed to improve the infrastructure and performance of the transport corridor connecting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and access to markets and social services of impoverished local communities in northern Tajikistan. Its expected impact was enhanced regional cooperation and inclusive economic growth, particularly in the Sughd province. Its intended outcome was improved connectivity and mobility along CAREC Corridor 6’s Ayni–Uzbekistan border road.
The project had three planned outputs: (i) rehabilitation/upgrading of 113 kilometers (km) of the Ayni–Uzbekistan border road, (ii) improved road safety, and (iii) better infrastructure in Sarazm border crossing and local communities. All these outputs were substantially delivered. 112.7 km of the project road was reconstructed to a national standard of class III and/or class IV highway, with asphalt pavement and much better facilities. A national road safety action plan was developed, and road safety audits and trainings were conducted. Road maintenance vehicles and equipment were provided.
A new administrative building, a customs control building, toilets with gender−friendly facilities, parking areas, and checkpoints and other support installations were constructed in the Sarazm border post. About 30 km of feeder roads each in Ayni and Panjakent districts were rebuilt and provided with roadside rest areas, bus shelters, and sanitation facilities for men and women.
Substantial delivery of the planned outputs enabled the attainment of the project's intended outcome. As against 3.5 hours on average for all vehicles at appraisal, travel time between Ayni−Panjakent to the Uzbekistan border declined after project completion to 1.4 hours for cars and taxis and 1.8 hours for buses and trucks. Traffic accidents dropped to 8 in 2015 from 20 accidents in 2010. While political concerns delayed the Sarazm border post reopening to March 2018, it is expected that full operationalization of the border road and crossing facilities will increase cross-border traffic and promote cross-border trade and economic cooperation.
Better road condition had substantially reduced vehicle operating costs, triggering a decline in transport costs. Along with promoting greater economic activity, the project had also benefited the poor with: (i) increased income from better job opportunities in roadside businesses and road construction and maintenance; (ii) improved access to markets and social services; and (iii) reduced prices of food and other necessities due to lower transport costs.
The project, cofinanced by an OPEC Fund for International Development $14 million loan, was rated successful by ADB’s Central and West Asia Department. Tajikistan’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) was the executing agency. A project implementation unit, established within the MOT through a 2001 ADB-financed road project, served as implementing agency.
