Queue problem at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border resolved

Uzbek and Kazakh authorities have resolved the traffic congestion issues at border checkpoints. This was announced on June 5 by the press secretary of Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee, Husan Tangriev.

Tangriev shared a photo taken at 20:20 on June 4, showing an empty "Navoiy" border checkpoint with no vehicles in sight. He noted that the long queues had been cleared thanks to the prompt measures taken by both sides.

On the same day, officials from the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan held a bilateral meeting at the "Navoiy" border post, which is adjacent to the "Kaplanbek" checkpoint on the Kazakh side. The main topic of discussion was the severe vehicle queues that had formed ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday on June 6.

To address the issue, both sides agreed to deploy additional personnel and resources. A temporary reverse traffic flow was also introduced for vehicles entering Uzbekistan via the "Navoiy" checkpoint.

According to Tangriev, the number of people and vehicles crossing between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has doubled over the past five years, driven by strengthened neighborly ties, a strategic partnership, and growing trade relations. On average, 40,000 pedestrians and 2,000 vehicles pass through the "Navoiy" checkpoint daily.

However, Tangriev cautioned that queues could still occur, as each vehicle inspection takes an average of 5–10 minutes. He advised travelers to consider using the "Oq oltin" and "Malik" checkpoints, which, though not designated as international, are less congested. These checkpoints handle around 1,500 pedestrians and over 250 vehicles each day.

Ongoing repair work at some checkpoints continues to contribute to congestion. For instance, the “Gishtkoprik” checkpoint remains closed for renovation. While the Uzbek side reports that the repairs are nearing completion, work has only recently begun at the “Jibek joli” checkpoint on the Kazakh side.

Previously, media outlets reported heavy traffic and daily queues at the border, worsened by high temperatures and alleged bribery by customs officials on the Kazakh side. Drivers had urged both governments to address the situation seriously.

It is also worth noting that on June 4, a bus carrying five Uzbek passengers caught fire in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region.