Tajik–Afghan bridge at Tem-Demogan, International suspension bridge over the Panj River in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan
The Tajik–Afghan bridge at Tem-Demogan is a road suspension bridge over the Panj River, 4.6 km downstream of the Gunt confluence, near Khorugh in Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan province. Its main span is 135 m and its deck 3.5 m wide, open to pedestrians and vehicles up to 25 tonnes. Construction began on 15 March 2002.
Construction began on 15 March 2002, and the bridge opened on 3 November 2002, financed by the Aga Khan Development Network at a cost of US$400,000. Karim Aga Khan IV, Tajik president Emomali Rahmon and Afghan vice-president Hedayat Amin Arsala attended the opening. It was the first of five Panj crossings initiated and funded by the network.
Tem, on the Tajik bank, is a microdistrict of Khorugh whose inhabitants are largely Ismaili Muslims, followers of the Aga Khan. The bridge project included a small market on the Tajik side, open every Saturday, where Afghan traders may come without a visa to supply both banks.
The bridge serves both pedestrians and vehicles as a functioning border crossing in this remote mountain region. It is wise to check local conditions before crossing, as weather can be severe and access may be affected by seasonal changes or regional circumstances.
The bridge was the first of five crossings over the Panj built at the initiative and with the funding of the Aga Khan Development Network, not four as often stated. Its opening on 3 November 2002 was attended by Karim Aga Khan IV, President Emomali Rahmon and Afghan Vice-President Hedayat Amin Arsala.
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