QURGHON TEPPA, March 29, 2010, Asia-Plus  - No freight car has arrived in Khatlon province since mid-March, Saidjon Yodgori, head of Tajik Railways’ branch for Khatlon, told Asia-Plus Monday afternoon.

According to him, it is not clear yet how many freight cars bound for Khatlon province have been stranded on Uzbek territory.  “Local entrepreneurs are worrying about their goods.  Tajik Railways is engaged in solving the hold-up issue and nothing depends on our branch.”

Asked about possible consequences if the Uzbek side closes the railroad Termez-Qurghon Teppa, Saidjon Yodgori said, “Dozens of stations located in Khatlon province will be affected.”  He added it could also inflict million of dollars’ worth of damage on Tajikistan’s economy.