DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 27. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted $86.67 million to help Tajikistan improve its national road network by creating a demonstration green corridor, Trend reports.
This project will upgrade the 49-kilometer Dangara-Guliston road, expanding it from two lanes to fours.
According to ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov, the Dangara-Guliston road, originally built in the 1930s and reconstructed in the 1970s, will be the first in Tajikistan to integrate climate adaptation strategies.
The green roads toolkit utilized in this project will enhance the quality of life for local residents, improve climate resilience, reduce pollution, and support biodiversity.
According to the ADB, within the frame of the project, two pilot charging stations will be established, and investment frameworks will be developed to attract private sector participation in expanding national charging infrastructure.
Moreover, the reconstructed road will feature dedicated cycleways and sidewalks designed for women with children and people with disabilities. Enhanced lighting, well-marked crossings, and community-driven safety features will further increase accessibility. Special facilities for traveling mothers and infants, as well as priority seating for individuals with disabilities on public transport, will be included.
To support local livelihoods, the project will provide training for women in the area on starting and managing small businesses, along with entrepreneurship grants for selected participants.
The Tajik government will contribute $23 million, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to provide a $40 million co-financing loan, pending approval in early 2025. The project is expected to be completed by 2030, with the Ministry of Transport overseeing its execution.
ADB’s green roads toolkit, developed in partnership with the International Road Federation and MetaMeta Research, ensures that road planning and construction practices are environmentally sustainable while balancing economic and social objectives.
Since joining ADB in 1998, Tajikistan has benefited from over $2.7 billion in assistance across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and education, with more than $2.2 billion allocated in grants.