DUSHANBE, November 21, 2011, Asia-Plus – The Termez-Qurghon Teppa section of the railway connecting Uzbekistan with Afghanistan has been suspended for traffic because a tractor has run into the pier of the railway bridge on the Ghalaba-Amuzang stage, a source in Tajik Railways told Asia-Plus Monday afternoon.

According to him, Uzbek state railway company, O’zbekiston Temir Yollari, noted this in its official letter to Rohi Ohani Tojikiston (Tajik Railways) over suspension of traffic along the Termez-Qurghon Teppa section of the railway.  “There was no question of an explosion about which media outlets have reported,” he noted.

The source added that rail traffic to the Tajik southern Khatlon province has been suspended since November 17.  The Uzbek side has suggested that trains bound for Khatlon should run to Dushanbe, he added.  “Repairs to the railway are under way and the railway may be reopened for traffic in a week.”

We will recall that Uzbek media outlets reported that an explosion had occurred on a railway connecting Uzbekistan with Afghanistan.

Uzbek news agency, Podrobno, reported the blast occurred on the Termez-Qurghon Tepa section (the Ghalaba-Amuzang stage) on the night of October 16-17.  No casualties were reported.  A special government commission has reportedly been set up to investigate the cause of the blast.

Uzbek media outlets reported that the main version was that the explosion on the railway link connecting Uzbekistan with Afghanistan was a terrorist act.