Tajikistan is taking significant steps toward improving road safety through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The Ministry of Transport recently organized a 12-day European road safety study tour for senior officials, alongside in-country practitioner training, as part of a comprehensive Road Safety Advisory Project. This initiative is linked to the US$150 million Green Corridor Demonstration Project and aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the country’s road networks.
Tajikistan’s Commitment to Safer Roads
The Government of Tajikistan is committed to halving road fatalities by 2030 under the CAREC Regional Road Safety Strategy 2017–2030. Between 2023 and 2025, Tajikistan participated in the UN Road Safety Fund-supported Safe and Inclusive Road Designs project, alongside Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
International Collaboration for Road Safety
The project was a collaboration between UNESCAP, iRAP, EASST, and the International Road Federation (IRF). Its focus included reviewing local road design standards, building road safety capacity, and publishing new guidance informed by global best practices. Building on these successes, iRAP’s Road Safety Advisory Project addresses infrastructure safety gaps through better planning, design, and implementation.
A key innovation is the Design Exception Procedure, which allows non-standard but safer road treatments to be legally followed, following practices used by the world’s leading road agencies.
In-Country Training for Road Safety Practitioners
From February 2–4 in Dushanbe, IRAP trainers Luke Rogers and Jigesh Bhavsar conducted intensive sessions for 22 road engineers and Ministry staff.
Practical Training in Road Safety
The training included both classroom instruction and in-field site visits. Participants learned to identify safety deficiencies, conduct road safety audits, and apply engineering solutions to achieve a three-star or higher infrastructure safety rating. This hands-on approach equips Tajikistan’s road professionals with the tools to prioritize interventions and reduce accident risks.
European Study Tour for Ministry Officials
Following the in-country training, 10 Ministry officials participated in a European study tour led by iRAP experts Luke Rogers and Morgan Fletcher.
Learning International Best Practices
The delegation visited Zagreb, Utrecht, The Hague, and Athens, engaging with road authorities, toll operators, research institutes, universities, NGOs, and practitioners. They explored:
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Safe System implementation
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Urban road safety
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Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
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Corridor risk management
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Investment prioritization
Through workshops, technical briefings, and site visits, officials examined practical applications of iRAP methodologies and risk-based approaches to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
Translating Lessons to Tajikistan
The knowledge gained from the European study tour supports the Green Corridor Demonstration Project and ongoing road rehabilitation initiatives, ensuring that international best practices are adapted to local conditions.
Advancing Road Safety Across Tajikistan
Tajikistan continues to strengthen institutional capacity, improve road design standards, and foster safer travel for all. Combining local training with international exposure ensures that road safety measures are effective, context-appropriate, and sustainable.
For broader insights into road infrastructure developments and international best practices, readers can explore AsiaCarNews for updates on mobility, transport safety, and engineering innovation.
What are your thoughts on Tajikistan’s road safety initiatives? Could similar international collaborations accelerate safer roads in other Central Asian countries? Share your comments below and help foster dialogue on improving road safety across the region.
