Uzbekistan plans to modernize the Olot checkpoint on the border with Turkmenistan
Amid growing traffic, Uzbek authorities are discussing upgrades to the Olot checkpoint, including a new bridge over the Yomonzhar canal and eliminating the need to re-couple freight trailers.
On November 4, the checkpoint was inspected by Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov, Chairman of the Customs Committee Akmalkhodja Mavlonov, head of Uzavtoyul Jamshed Tursunov, and head of Uzsuvtaminot Ahmad Suvankulov. This information was disseminated by the press service of the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan.
In the first ten months, over 243,000 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. This figure is 2.3 times higher than the 2022 level. Currently, up to 1,200 vehicles cross the border in both directions daily.
The Ministry of Transport proposes updating the checkpoint's infrastructure, changing its operational procedures, and improving traffic management. Among the possible measures is the abolition of the COVID-19-era scheme of re-coupling freight trailers.
Under current rules, trailers are detached from tractors registered in one country and then attached to vehicles from the other side. Returning to the previous procedure, according to the ministry, will reduce the number of additional inspections and speed up border crossings.
Another option is to construct a bridge over the Yomonzhar canal, which connects the neutral border strips of the two states. The new structure is intended to replace the 1978 bridge. The project includes at least two lanes for trucks in each direction. It is expected that this will reduce congestion and make the passage of passenger cars and pedestrians more convenient.
Relevant state agencies have been instructed to develop the proposals and prepare feasibility studies. The projects will then be presented for high-level consideration.
