Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge, Road-rail bridge in Termez, Uzbekistan and Hairatan, Afghanistan
The Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge is a combined road and rail bridge made of steel that spans 800 meters across the Amu Darya River between Termez and Hairatan. It features separate lanes for trains and vehicles, allowing both types of traffic to cross simultaneously.
The Soviet Union built this bridge in 1982 to supply its military forces during the occupation of Afghanistan. After the Soviet withdrawal, it experienced closures and periods of instability until reopening for civilian use in 2001.
The bridge serves as a crossing where Afghan and Uzbek traders, families, and travelers meet daily to exchange goods and maintain connections across the border. This passage has become central to how people on both sides interact and conduct business with each other.
This crossing requires proper documentation and may face restrictions depending on the political situation on either side. Visitors should check local conditions beforehand, as wait times at the border can be substantial.
The structure remained closed for extended periods under Taliban control and only became reliably operational again after 2001. This makes it one of the few stable overland connections in a region where cross-border movement has historically been difficult.
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