Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport, Azim Ibrohim, has raised concerns about the rapid deterioration of roads in the country, attributing the problem to a mix of poor construction practices, lax oversight, cost-cutting, and climate-related stress. His remarks were made during a control meeting held at the Ministry of Transport (MoT), according to a press release issued by the ministry.
Premature road failures raise red flags
Highlighting the issue, the minister pointed out that many road surfaces are wearing out well before their expected service life — which, under official standards, ranges from 2 to 8 years depending on traffic volume.
“In reality, many roads are becoming unusable much earlier than planned,” Ibrohim said.
He outlined four key causes of early road failures:
- Substandard construction work
- Weak enforcement of quality standards
- Attempts to cut costs by compromising on materials and technology
- Extreme heat leading to faster asphalt degradation
“These factors combine to reduce the lifespan of road surfaces and significantly raise maintenance costs,” the minister noted.
Climate change a growing threat
Ibrohim also stressed the increasing impact of climate change on infrastructure resilience. He warned that rising temperatures are accelerating the deformation, cracking, and weakening of asphalt surfaces.
“High temperatures cause asphalt to heat up, lose its strength, and deform. This leads to potholes and reduces road safety,” he explained.
Stronger roads and stricter oversight
Calling road quality one of the sector’s top priorities, Ibrohim issued a set of concrete directives to relevant agencies and organizations. He stressed that the durability of road surfaces is the responsibility of the engineers and project managers overseeing their construction.
“Cutting corners to save costs might ultimately lead to greater expenses due to early repairs,” he warned.
Action plan across key agencies
The following measures were recommended:
- Transport Oversight Service: Enforce strict weight and size regulations, including a ban on vehicles heavier than 40 tons during hot seasons when roads are most vulnerable.
- Project Implementation Centers: Ensure full compliance with construction standards at every stage — from design to reconstruction and maintenance. Use high-quality asphalt mixes designed to withstand high temperatures and include additives adapted to local environmental conditions.
- Road Maintenance Enterprises: Conduct regular seasonal and emergency inspections, address minor damage promptly to prevent it from escalating, monitor vegetation along roadways, and maintain overall traffic safety.
Preparing for winter 2025–2026
The minister also called for early preparation for the upcoming autumn-winter season, stressing the need for both technical readiness and logistical planning to ensure uninterrupted road function during colder months.
