The Anzob Tunnel is a five km long tunnel located 80 km northwest of Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe.
The tunnel connects the Tajik capital to its second largest city, Khujand, which prior to the tunnel's construction, required travelers to cross the border into Uzbekistan in order to travel between the two cities. It is also a transit route between Dushanbe and Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent. Prior to construction of the tunnel, especially during winter and the threat of year-round avalanches, there were periodic disruptions of commerce.
Strategic Importance
Anzob tunnel was dubbed the symbol of brotherhood between the people of Iran and Tajikistan, who share a common history language and culture. Its construction put an end to Uzbekistan's ability to halt traffic between Tajikistan's two largest cities. It marked the beginning of other major co-operative projects such as Sangtuda-2 power plant.
The tunnel is also said to be part of a planned road which would run from Iran through Herat in western Afghanistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Sherkhan Bandar in northern Afghanistan to Tajikistan and from there up to China. The route has been named the new Silk Road.
Construction Timeline
Boring of the tunnel was officially completed in July 2007 by the Iranian Saber International consortium.[1] Due to significance of the tunnel limited traffic flow was permitted via signing a waiver form, after understanding potential hazards such as flooding and smog from construction equipment operating inside the tunnel [2]prior to the final construction phase which included installation of ventilation and drainage infrastructure.