What transport is used for cargo transportation in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a country in Central Asia, a former republic of the Soviet Union. The collapse of the USSR hit Tajikistan's economy hard. The republic experienced several armed conflicts. In addition, Tajikistan's plans to build the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station have caused discontent in neighboring Uzbekistan. They believe that this construction will lead to the shallowing of the Amu Darya — the main source of water in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has repeatedly imposed a transport blockade on Tajikistan, which has also caused serious damage to the economy.

Currently, Tajikistan demonstrates impressive economic growth rates, exceeding 10% per year. However, it should be understood that the growth started from an extremely low level. The share of the population employed in industry is 51%. 2.1% of the working-age population is officially unemployed. About 1.5 million of its citizens work outside Tajikistan, indicating a real unemployment rate of around 40%.

Transport system of Tajikistan

Tajikistan has no access to the sea and large navigable water bodies, so water transport is absent in the republic. Cargo transportation is possible by other modern types of transport: road, rail, and air. The state of Tajikistan's transport infrastructure is far from ideal. However, it can fulfill its tasks of ensuring the delivery of cargo to the country, exporting products, and transit.

Tajikistan shares borders with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Afghanistan. The presence of a border with the constantly warring Afghanistan adds an additional element of instability to Tajikistan's internal situation. The main routes for cargo transportation towards Russia are controlled by Uzbekistan and are often blocked to exert pressure on Tajikistan's leadership. The republic is striving to eliminate transport blockades by improving relations with China.

Road network of Tajikistan

The state of the infrastructure for road cargo transportation in the republic is terrible. The country ranked 70th in the road quality rating among 137 countries. It should be noted, however, that the rating was created by representatives of developed countries, and Ukraine ranks 130th, Moldova — 128th, and Russia — 114th. Thus, from the perspective of a driver from the CIS countries, the roads in Tajikistan are good.

However, these roads pass through mountains. Serpentines, long descents, and ascents are an essential attribute of Tajik roads for cargo transportation. Roads are regularly blocked by avalanches, and during their clearing, traffic jams of hundreds of trucks are created.

Air cargo delivery in Tajikistan

According to modern standards, the development of aviation in Tajikistan is in its infancy. The country has only 4 airports with regular flights. This is explained by the extreme poverty of the population and high air transport prices. Nevertheless, it is possible to send cargo to Tajikistan or receive it from there by plane. Airports operate in the cities:

• Dushanbe.
• Kulyab.
• Kurgan-Tyube.
• Khujand.

Rail transport system of Tajikistan

Tajikistan has only 680 km of railways. They mainly carry interstate cargo transportation. The majority of cargo in Tajikistan is transported by road. The gauge of Tajik railways is standard for CIS countries — 1520 mm.

What Tajikistan exports

In terms of value, the ranking of Tajikistan's export goods is led by: raw materials for aluminum production, gold, zinc and lead ores, and raw cotton.