The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a US$75.5 million equivalent loan to the Republic of Tajikistan for the construction of a bridge on its M41 International Highway.
The 920-metre bridge and its approaches along the Obigarm-Nurobod section of the highway will serve as a vital link for Corridors 2, 3 and 5 of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Programme, establishing essential connectivity between Tajikistan’s landlocked terrain and neighbouring regional markets.
Construction of the 75-kilometre Obigarm-Nurobod section has been divided into three sections to ensure synchronized implementation. The AIIB is closely coordinating with the Asian Development Bank, Opec Fund for International Development, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the project.
In 2020 the AIIB approved a US$3.2 million grant to Tajikistan under its Project Preparation Special Fund. The grant facilitated various value-added contributions, including informed decision-making on cost-effective bridge solutions, enhanced design to tackle geological challenges, and adoption of the design-build method for streamlined project delivery.
Aligned with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy, the timely completion of the road is a governmental priority. It will provide an all-weather connection for over 350,000 residents of the northeast region of Tajikistan, not only to the capital city Dushanbe but also to the border of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The project aligns with two core thematic priorities of AIIB,” says Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB vice-president for investment operations in Region 2. “First, it contributes to cross-border connectivity by establishing vital cross-border links with improved road safety along Tajikistan's essential corridor and ensuring connectivity between regions. Second, the project embraces green finance principles by integrating environmentally and socially responsible practices and promoting resilient sustainable mechanisms in the road infrastructure development.”
