Buses to Fergana run through Tajikistan

The Uzbek Agency of Automobile Transport is preparing to launch a new international bus route Tashkent-Khujand-Kokand, Kun.uz correspondent reports referring to “Pravda Vostoka”.

It is worth recalling that such a route operated until 1999 and was canceled for technical reasons. The first technical trip has already begun on this route.

“There is a need for direct bus service between Fergana valley and the capital, as well as other cities of the republic. However, such transportation is possible only in transit through the territory of Tajikistan. A contract has been concluded with a private firm “Mironshokh Grand Trans”, which will ensure the performance of trips on comfortable Yutong buses,” head of the department of control and coordination of road transport agency Abror Isayev said.

Trial launch includes crossing the border with Tajikistan and back. After studying all the features, the possibility of connecting Fergana valley with other regional centers of Uzbekistan through similar routes will also be considered.

The length of the bus route is 346 kilometers, estimated travel time is 11 hours and 35 minutes. It also includes passing state borders, from the Uzbek side through the checkpoints “Oybek” and “Andarkhon, from Tajikistan – “Fatehabad” and “Patar”.

It is planned that the initial number of routes will be two or three daily. If passenger traffic is increased, additional ones will be introduced. Entrepreneurs will receive the opportunity to participate in transportation in the new route in accordance with a selection through a tender.