Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In line with the decision of the heads of government of the CIS countries, the Intergovernmental Council of Road Builders (ICRB) has conducted a comprehensive international monitoring of the condition of highways traversing Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation, according to the press service of the CIS Executive Committee.

The monitoring was carried out from 23 to 29 June 2025, as part of the implementation of the Protocol on International Highways of the Commonwealth, decisions of the Economic Issues Commission under the CIS Economic Council, and the directive of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS.

The monitored route spanned more than 5,000 kilometers and covered major transportation hubs and international road segments, including Dushanbe – Samarkand – Tashkent – Kyzylorda – Aktobe – Orenburg – Samara – Penza – Ryazan – Moscow.

To support the work, the ICRB sent official letters to relevant agencies of the participating countries. The ministries of transport of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, as well as Russia’s Federal Highway Agency (Rosavtodor), took an active part in the preparations and coordination.

The Kazakh side responded particularly promptly. The monitoring team included representatives of NC KazAvtoZhol, among them Deputy Chairman Darkhan Sakanov, as well as regional road authorities from the Kyzylorda and Aktobe regions.

The ICRB Secretariat, in cooperation with national agencies, ensured that all planned activities were carried out within the scheduled timeframe.

During the monitoring, a high volume of traffic was recorded, including a significant number of heavy trucks. Special attention was paid to the technical condition of the roads, bottlenecks, and transport infrastructure facilities. Certain sections, notably the Kyzylorda–Aktobe route and the federal segment from Penza to Moscow, showed issues requiring immediate attention.

According to preliminary findings, ensuring the resilience of the road network and traffic safety will require the following actions:

– modernization of road surfaces to accommodate increased axle loads;
– expansion of road capacity on heavily trafficked sections;
– installation of additional fuel stations, parking areas, rest stops, and dining facilities;
– systematic improvements to road safety infrastructure.

Particular focus was given to the operation of border checkpoints, especially those between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan and Russia. Extended waiting times at border crossings were noted as negatively affecting trade flows and logistics. There is a pressing need for coordinated efforts by customs and border services to reduce delays and streamline procedures.

Concerns were also raised regarding long queues faced by drivers and passengers from Tajikistan at border crossings between Kazakhstan and Russia. In light of these observations, the ICRB has recommended that CIS governments intensify interagency cooperation in the transport sector and implement joint measures to optimize traffic along key international corridors.

The findings of the monitoring mission will be sent to national ministries and road authorities of participating countries for the development of an action plan aimed at eliminating identified deficiencies and improving the international road infrastructure.

The results will also serve as a basis for further decisions at the level of the CIS Council of Heads of Government.