Despite government promises and ongoing efforts, Dushanbe’s traffic congestion shows no signs of easing. Every day, drivers spend hours stuck in gridlock, with no tangible improvement in sight. According to experts, the root of the problem lies in flawed transport planning and an urban development strategy that fails to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city.
In November, the newspaper Payomi Dushanbe published an in-depth article by Deputy Mayor Rakhmiddin Salomzoda, who analyzed the causes of the city’s chronic traffic jams and proposed a set of solutions. Among the key issues he cited were: the sharp increase in private vehicle ownership, heavy commuter traffic from surrounding areas, inefficient traffic lights, and underdeveloped alternative mobility options.
Salomzoda’s proposals include enhancing public transportation, implementing intelligent traffic management systems, and reforming urban planning. His approach combines traditional measures — such as building interchanges — with modern tools like big data and smart city technology.
Why more roads don’t solve traffic
One of the problems Salomzoda highlighted was the insufficient width of city streets. However, independent experts argue that expanding roads doesn’t reduce traffic congestion — it often worsens it.
“The more roads you build, the more cars appear. Road widening encourages car use and makes public transit less attractive,” explains Yana Mertsalova, an environmental urbanist and sustainable transport expert.
Bermet Borubayeva, founder of the #BishkekSmog initiative, adds: “The issue isn’t a shortage of roads — it’s the overreliance on private vehicles, which are an extremely inefficient way to move people. They take up massive space to carry just one or two passengers.”
Public transit must come first
Experts agree: modern transport planning focuses on moving people, not cars. “A transport system’s goal is to move people, not vehicles,” says Elena Erzakovich, a sustainable transport expert from Almaty.
For example, a wide urban road carries around 2,500 cars — about 3,000 people per hour. In contrast, a single lane dedicated to a tram or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) can move between 5,000 and 15,000 passengers in the same space.
Architect Vladislav Filatov notes: “Dushanbe urgently needs a high-capacity surface transit line to ease pressure on major roads.” Erzakovich adds that this should be paired with suburban bus routes and the revival of commuter rail services.
Traffic lights, pedestrians, and urban safety
Dushanbe’s authorities recently closed 17 pedestrian crossings to “ease congestion.” However, experts warn that such steps may compromise safety.
“Pedestrians are a core part of street life. Removing them from the surface only increases accidents and discriminates against those with limited mobility,” says Yana Mertsalova.
Experts also criticize the construction of overpasses and underpasses, calling them costly, inefficient, and often underused. Even the smartest traffic lights, they argue, won’t fix congestion unless broader transport reforms are made.
Controlled speed = fewer jams
Another overlooked factor is speed management. Fast driving — especially on overpasses and wide boulevards — fosters aggressive behavior and raises accident risks.
Experts recommend capping speed limits in central and residential zones at 30 km/h. According to the WHO, this reduces crashes and smooths traffic flow. Street design features — such as narrow lanes, roundabouts, and speed bumps — encourage safer, calmer driving behavior.
Public transport: the backbone of mobility
Even city officials admit that underdeveloped routes and overcrowded buses push residents toward private cars. Experts argue this must change.
“The priority must be fast, comfortable, and uninterrupted bus service. Without this, urging people to ditch cars is pointless,” stresses Elena Erzakovich.
Vladislav Filatov proposes two main BRT routes across Dushanbe — one north-south, the other east-west — forming a backbone for future expansion. He also recommends redesigning streets and building new bridges across the Dushanbinka River to redistribute traffic.
Subway projects: pricey and premature
Plans for a 10.5 km subway line, monorail, and cable car draw expert skepticism. “Subway is expensive and time-consuming — and won’t solve today’s problems without a strong ground-level network,” warns Bermet Borubaeva.
Erzakovich suggests conducting a transparent cost-benefit analysis and comparing it with surface tram systems, which are 5–10 times cheaper.
Parking policy: demand management tool
Experts criticize free city-center parking as a misuse of public space. “It encourages more driving. Price increases and reduced availability are proven ways to control demand,” says Mertsalova.
She recommends building park-and-ride lots at city entrances — but only if public transport options are already in place. Payment systems, signage, and zoning must also be carefully designed.
Congestion charges: not a universal fix
Salomzoda referenced successful congestion zones in London and Stockholm. But experts warn that applying the same model in Dushanbe could backfire.
“Without reliable public transport, congestion fees could push traffic into narrow residential streets, causing chaos,” says a local environmentalist.
Micromobility: bikes and scooters
Dushanbe’s climate is ideal for year-round cycling — but safety requires physically separated lanes and a citywide bike network. Shared bike systems, legal reforms, and public education are also essential.
A holistic strategy is key
Experts agree: no single solution exists. A balanced mix of investment and restrictions, guided by real data and zone-specific planning, is essential.
“Our goal should be to make car-free living easy and cheap — and driving slow, expensive, and inconvenient,” concludes the Dushanbe environmentalist.
