Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan is considering measures to increase the capacity of the Olot border crossing with Turkmenistan, including changes to freight transport procedures and the construction of a new bridge over the Yemonjar Canal.
On 4 November, Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov, Customs Committee Chairman Akmalkhodja Mavlonov, Uzavtoyul head Jamshid Tursunov and Uzsuvtaminot head Ahmad Suvankulov inspected operations at the border crossing. Uzbekistan's Transport Ministry press service reported the visit.
According to the ministry, more than 243,000 vehicles crossed the Olot checkpoint between January and October. This was 2.3 times the figure recorded in 2022. Up to 1,200 vehicles cross the border in both directions each day.
In response to the growing traffic volume, the ministry considers it necessary to modernize the checkpoint's infrastructure, review its operating procedures and improve traffic management.
One proposal involves abolishing the system of transferring freight trailers between trucks, which the Turkmen side introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the current arrangement, trailers are detached from tractor units registered in one country and attached to vehicles belonging to the other side.
According to the Transport Ministry, restoring the previous transport arrangement would reduce the number of additional inspection procedures and speed up border crossings.
Another proposal under consideration is the construction of a new bridge over the Yemonjar Canal, which connects the neutral border zones of the two countries. The new structure would replace the existing bridge, which dates back to 1978.
The project предусматривает at least two lanes for freight vehicles in each direction. The new bridge is expected to speed up transportation, reduce congestion in the border area and improve access for passenger cars and pedestrians.
Relevant government agencies have been instructed to examine the proposed initiatives and prepare feasibility studies. The projects are then planned to be submitted for consideration at the highest level.
