DUSHANBE, June 8, Asia-Plus - The Anzob tunnel, linking central part of Tajikistan to the northern province of Sughd, has been temporarily closed for traffic, Asia-Plus has learned at the ministry of transport and communications (MoTC).  

The source at a MoTC says builders have to conclude concreting work inside the tunnel.  “Because of high traffic the tunnel was opened for traffic in May, while we did not plan to open the tunnel this year,” said the source, “It is still not yet known when the tunnel will be reopened for traffic; the work may possibly last for three or four months.”  

The 5-kilometer Anzob tunnel allows maintaining all-the-year-round automobile communication between the country’s northern and southern regions.

We will recall that Iran’s Sabir International constructed the tunnel.  A total project cost, including 30-kilometer access roads to the tunnel’s portals was some $110 million.  Iran has provided totaling more than 31 million US dollars, including $21.2 million in loan and $10 million in a form of grant, to construct the tunnel.  Tajikistan’s contribution to the Anzob tunnel project amounted to $7.8 million.