The Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan and the Korean National Railway (KNR) have agreed to cooperate in the construction of the urban rail system in Dushanbe.

The document was inked by Mr. Azim Ibrohim, Minister of Transport of Tajikistan and Mr. Kim Han-young, Head of the Korean National Railway. 

A virtual signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the construction of urban trains in Dushanbe took place on March 14.

During the signing ceremony, Azim Ibrohim noted that the signing of the MoU will lay legal foundation for the establishment of the mutually beneficial cooperation and will strengthen bilateral cooperation between the agencies.  

Tajik minister also noted that the memorandum will also expand the possibilities of attracting the Korean National Railway for implementation of other investment projects in the transportation sector.  

Meanwhile, an official source at the Dushanbe administration told Asia-Plus in an interview o February1 ,2019 that Tajik authorities plan to build a subway system in Dushanbe.  The first overhead line that will connect Dushanbe’s Southern Gate and Guliston (Circus area) is expected to be introduced into operation in 2040.

“At first, an overhead line connecting the Southern Gate of Dushanbe and Guliston (Circus area) will be constructed and then construction of underground lines will begin,” the source noted. 

According to him, the overhead line will be introduced into operation in 2040.  “Currently, the Dushanbe authorities are exploring the possibility of construction of underground lines of the future Dushanbe subway,” the source said.

Some residents of the city have proposed to construct one subway line from the airport to Korvon market and another one from Circus to Zarafshon neighborhood, the source added.