QURGHON TEPPA, June 13, Asia-Plus — Resolution of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) on limiting loading of vehicles has led to decrease in trade between Tajikistan and Afghanistan via the bridge Dusti across the Panj River in Panji Poyon, Khatlon’s Qumsangir district, Jumakhon Rajabov, the chef of the customs point “Panji Poyon”, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, the ministry’s resolution has created obstacles in the way of development of trade between the two countries and left more than 300 Tajik drivers without job.
“Drivers of heavy trucks KamAZ have nothing to gain from travel to Afghanistan for 12 tons of cargoes,” said the customs point chief. “Drivers heavy trucks Mercedes with carrying capacity of 34-40 tons are also allowed to load not more than 20 tons.”
Rajabov said that the ministry justifies its decision by saying that roads and bridge do not bear large load and are damaged.
According to him, loading limits have affected carriage of cargoes via the bridge. “In March, 8 million somonis worth of cargoes were carried via the bridge, while in May, with adoption of the mentioned resolution cargoes for only 5million somonis were carried via the bridge”
We will recall that the length of the bridge Dusti across the Panj River is 672 meters, and the width is 11.6 meters. The bridge currently transports 200-250 cars daily.
