DUSHANBE, March 1, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Preparation for the beginning of the construction of the Chormaghzak Tunnel is expected to be completed in late March this year, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).

The source at a MoTC noted that construction of approach roads is expected to be finished in mid-March.

The estimated budget for digging of a 4.2-kilometer the tunnel under the Chormaghzak pass in the Khatlon province is 64 million U.S. dollars.