Tajik–Afghan Friendship Bridge, Suspension bridge in Darvaz, Tajikistan.
The Tajik-Afghan Friendship Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing the Panj River, connecting Darvaz in Tajikistan with Badakhshan in Afghanistan. The structure spans 135 meters and accommodates both pedestrians and vehicles weighing up to 25 metric tonnes.
Construction of the bridge was completed in 2004 with support from the Aga Khan Development Network, the United States, and Norway. The project aimed to reconnect communities that had been separated by the river and the international border.
The bridge enables Afghan traders to visit the weekly Saturday market on the Tajik side, where they conduct business without visa requirements. This regular gathering has become an important occasion for communities on both sides to exchange goods and maintain personal connections.
The bridge is frequently used by pedestrians and light vehicles, with conditions varying by season and weather. Plan your crossing during dry months when access is most reliable and the structure is safest to use.
The bridge is one of five crossings constructed over the Panj River to link previously isolated mountain communities. It stands out as a rare piece of infrastructure enabling regular movement between some of the region's most remote settlements.
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