DUSHANBE, November 1, 2011, Asia-Plus -- The Shahriston Pass was closed for traffic on October 30 because of recent heavy snowfalls, according to the Interior Ministry traffic police directorate.

“There were heavy snowfalls in the area from October 28 to October 30,” said Muhammadjon Nazriyev, a spokesman for the traffic police directorate.  “Many-kilometer congestions have been formed on the both sides of the pass.”

The date of reopening of the pass for traffic is still unknown.  “The snow-clearing work is under way and we hope that the pass will be reopened for traffic within the next few days,” the spokesman said.