Today President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the solemn ceremony of putting into operation the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway.

This event of the year under the motto of "Turkmenistan is the Motherland of Peace and Trust", is another vivid evidence of the successful implementation of the tasks set by the head of state for the full utilization of the geo-economic potential of our Motherland through creation of transport and transit corridors, as well as increase in the role of the private sector in the national economic complex of the country, its integration into the regional and global system of multimodal communications.

The implementation of a large-scale project in accordance with the Decree of the Leader of the Nation dated January 11, 2019 was entrusted to the Closed Joint Stock Company "Türkmen Awtoban", which is a member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The document ordered to hand over the highway and its facilities with full readiness for operation in three stages, the last of which is planned to be completed in December 2023.

The construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn with a length of 600 kilometers started on January 24, 2019. Its commissioning will significantly increase the throughput of the country's road system, the quality and efficiency of logistics services, expand the international transport and transit infrastructure and strengthen interstate trade and economic ties.

The high-speed highway is designed to speed up and increase the volume of cargo transportation through the territory of Turkmenistan. Great prospects are opening up in the field of transport interaction with neighboring Uzbekistan. And as a result of connection with the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway, the autobahn connecting the eastern region of the country with its center will give direct access to cargo flows to the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi and further - by sea to the Caucasus, towards Europe, to the south of Russia, to the north of Iran, to Persian and Oman gulfs.

In the early morning, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov headed to the Ashgabat terminal located at the starting point of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn.

The Autobahn consists of six lanes. The width of the roadway is 34.5 meters, the carriageway of each side is 11.25 meters, and the traffic zone is 3.75 meters, which, according to technical indicators, meets the requirements for such objects in the world.

The autobahn starts from an intersection built on the 24^th kilometer of the Ashgabat-Dashoguz highway. Payment centers are also located here, providing, among other things, electronic payment, a traffic control point, and recreation areas.

By order of Türkmen Awtoban, acting as the general contractor of the project, the construction of the highway with the improvement of the adjacent territory is carried out by the individual enterprise Ata Melhem, ES Edermen and Altyn Nesil.

The allocation of funds by the state for implementation of this project, worth 2 billion 300 million US dollars, is a clear confirmation of the enormous attention paid in our country to the formation of a strong, competitive and socially responsible business, creating a favorable environment for its development. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov entrusts entrepreneurs with the construction of important facilities, relying on their professionalism, competence and capabilities.

Festive atmosphere reigns at the site of the celebration in honor of the commissioning of the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn.

According to the established good tradition, the masters of culture and arts of the country perform before the participants of the ceremony.

Having greeted the audience, the head of state goes to a specially designated place.

Addressing the audience, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that this year, marked by grandiose celebrations in honor of the 30th anniversary of the country's great independence and calling on the whole world to peace and trust, is marked by significant events, one of which is the current ceremony of putting into operation the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn.

A significant event was the adoption, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of the UN General Assembly Resolution "Strengthening ties between all modes of transport to ensure stable and reliable international transportation for sustainable development during and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic".

The Great Silk Road, which once united many states and peoples, ran through the territory of our country, the leader of the nation said. Having cordially congratulated the participants of the celebration and the entire Turkmen people on the successful completion of the construction of the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway with a length of 600 kilometers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that this is a vivid symbol of the modern revival of the ancient path.

The construction of the new road started in 2019 and, as the leader of the nation repeated, the construction of its 1st section, Ashgabat-Tejen, has been fully completed. The construction of the second section of the autobahn (Tejen-Mary) is planned to be completed in 2022, and the third (Mary-Turkmenabat) - in 2023.

The construction of the Ashgabat-Tejen section with a length of 203 kilometers and the infrastructure facilities along it were carried out by the ES “Altyn Nesil” and “Edermen”, as well as the individual enterprise “Ata Melhem”, which are contractors of the Closed Joint Stock Company “Türkmen Awtoban”.

The international autobahn consists of 6 lanes and its technical characteristics fully comply with international standards, the leader of the nation said, noting that along the new highway, all amenities for passengers and drivers have been created, including shopping centers, catering points, hotels and engineering structures.

The road has modern electronic payment terminals, video surveillance devices, radars, communication points, and solar-powered lighting poles.

Wishing the representatives of the country's private sector further great success in the implementation of such large projects of the international level, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov once again cordially congratulated the audience and the entire Turkmen people on the opening of the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway.

“Bright road, dear compatriots!” - with these inspired words, met with general stormy applause, the head of Turkmenistan concluded his speech.

Then the leader of the nation heard speeches from representatives of international authoritative structures specializing in the certification of infrastructure road and transport facilities.

The first floor was given to Domagoj Perkovich, Regional Director and Representative of the Austrian company VCE Vienna Consulting Engineers ZT GmbH, who emphasized that it was a great honor for him to take part in the ceremony of commissioning a section of the high-speed highway. Taking this opportunity, the businessman cordially congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence.

Having congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people on the commissioning of the first stage of the high-speed highway of the international level Ashgabat-Turkmenabat, the representative of the Austrian company said that the new infrastructure facility had been awarded a number of certificates: the quality of the highway conforms to the ISO 9001 standard, along with conformity of the design work and construction to international standards, in particular, "Design of road construction" and "Construction work".

Wolfgang Schultz, a member of the advisory department of the Ministry of Transport Communications of the Rhine-Westphalia of Germany, professor of the Institute of Transport Sciences, who then spoke via video link, congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the opening of the Ashgabat-Tejen section of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat high-speed highway.

Having announced that the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway has been awarded a high safety certificate, Wolfgang Schultz, on behalf of the institute he represents, wished the drivers and passengers traveling along the highway a happy journey.

It was also announced that the Department of Transport Communications and Infrastructure of the city of Dornbirn (Austria) has awarded this highway a certificate confirming the use of innovative high technologies in its construction.

Then the chairman of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, on behalf of the private sector representatives, expressed great gratitude to the leader of the nation for the confidence in taking part in the implementation of such a large international project.

Noting that the construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn was started in 2019, the head of the UIET reported that the Ashgabat-Tejen section of this road had been laid by now, and familiarized the head of state with the autobahn management system and the functions of modern security and surveillance devices installed along it.

Then President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov went to the Control Center located in the administrative building.

Here, the specialist demonstrated the technical capabilities of traffic management on the new high-speed road on the monitors, emphasizing that, in accordance with the project, the highway was equipped with the highest standards. In the infrastructure of the autobahn, there are several traffic police posts equipped with surveillance cameras, maintenance points, road service services.

Then, getting behind the wheel of a car and giving his blessing to the beginning of traffic, the leader of the nation drove onto the highway, 203 kilometers long in the direction of the city of Tejen.

After the opening of a section of the autobahn, with the blessing of the head of state, traffic began along the road: trucks and other types of vehicles set off along the new highway.

Along with other vehicles - cargo and small-sized - a wedding cortege in a festive decoration also drove along the new road: a significant coincidence of the main holiday in the life of the young couple and the opening ceremony of an object of international importance. In the current era of power and happiness, Turkmen people live happily, reaping the fruits of their labor, joyfully and solemnly celebrating significant events.

The wedding caravan - the herald of the creation of a new family - has become the personification of the fun, happiness and celebration that every day is marked with in our Fatherland, striving to the heights of progress and prosperity. All this testifies to the inviolability of the pillars of a sovereign state - the centuries-old dream of our glorious ancestors and the prosperous life of the people in the modern era.

On the way, the President of Turkmenistan inspected infrastructure facilities, modern devices of security and supervision systems, points of trade and service for drivers and passengers, points of car maintenance.

Within the specified time frame, such works were completed as soil covering, geotextile coating, and the use of gravel-sand mortar. In accordance with engineering requirements, the thickness of each of the two layers of the stone pavement is 30 centimeters, the subsequent layers - 20 centimeters respectively, and the total thickness of the stone and gravel pavement is 1 meter. In addition, during the construction of the highway, the flooring of three layers of asphalt was provided: 10, 7 and 5 centimeters.

During the construction of the highway, work was completed on the construction of various bridges, including monolithic, underground crossings, ground passages, tramps (places for descent and ascent to the highway). Taking into account international requirements, 76 water pipelines of various sizes, 10 tunnels for livestock and 17 for agricultural machinery were built along the route.

Riders on graceful Akhal-Teke horses and elegant yurts installed along the route towards Tejen give a unique original flavor to the celebration. The performances of creative teams show scenes reflecting the age-old folk traditions, including the lifestyle of the Turkmen, wedding ceremony, weaving art, as well as the art of carpet weaving and nightmare. There are also impromptu craft workshops, and young men and women demonstrate national games.

The life of ancient nomads is presented, flocks of sheep and camels graze in the valleys, guarded by Turkmen alabai - irreplaceable helpers of the shepherds. Not far from the main road, a film is being shot about the natural features and inhabitants, as well as about the climatic conditions of these places.

An impromptu old oriental bazaar with indispensable callers and brisk trade stretches along the road, where a caravan of camels laden with various goods arrives from afar. The artists were able to convey in the literary and musical composition the spirit and rich life of the caravanserai of that time. All this seems to recreate a picturesque picture of the era of the existence of the Great Silk Road, the route of which ran through the Turkmen land many centuries ago and is now being revived in a new format.

Along the route, you can also see performances dedicated to the work of geologists and road builders.

Having made a stop at one of the sections of the Ashgabat-Tejen section, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov talked with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAMAZ PTC Sergey Tkachenko.

Congratulating the head of Turkmenistan on today's significant event, S. Tkachenko said that the largest Russian corporation has released a new model of the KAMAZ vehicle - a main-line refrigerated tractor. The businessman presented a car of the latest modification to the Turkmen leader and asked for a test drive on a new track.

The head of PJSC "KAMAZ" also expressed hope for further productive cooperation with Turkmenistan and successful promotion of joint projects, addressing the leader of the nation and the entire Turkmen people with best wishes.

As the head of state emphasized, he has been fond of driving for many years, personally testing the latest models from world famous manufacturers. Sitting behind the wheel of a new car, the President of the country continued to move along the Autobahn.

Having driven several kilometers, the leader of the nation shared his first impressions of the new car model with S. Tkachenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAMAZ.

The head of Turkmenistan noted that he has long been familiar with various automotive equipment and sometimes, participating in races in high-speed cars, he had to drive various types of cars - both trucks and cars.

Speaking about the features of the new generation car, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused on the fully automated newest European standard control system, which ensures high safety, reliability and efficiency.

“After the test, I got a good impression, it is comfortable, easy to operate. Despite its large dimensions, it is very easy to move, complies with all the rules of economical, safe and environmentally friendly driving,” said the leader of the nation.

Continuing the conversation, the head of the Turkmen state noted the peculiarities of the car's design. Outwardly, the car looks quite interesting, attracts the attention of others and some, as they say, even admire, said the leader of the nation. Everything in the cabin is beautifully done. The multimedia dashboard is comfortable and quite functional.

Having sincerely congratulated the leadership of the Russian Federation on the release of a new model of the car, the President of Turkmenistan thanked for the donated car. The leader of the nation also congratulated the long-term partner of our country - the management and staff of the largest automobile corporation in Russia PJSC KAMAZ with the release of a modern and popular car, noting the intention to work out the possibilities of purchasing a certain number of them for the needs of our country.

Once again congratulating S. Tkachenko on the release of a new car model, the head of Turkmenistan wished him great success in his work and, having left on the highway, continued his way along the high-speed highway in a car.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov drives up to the Artyk intersection at the hundredth kilometer of the autobahn, where service facilities and a payment terminal are located.

The head of state was warmly greeted by the participants of the celebration.

A musical performance is also unfolding here. Wonderful national melodies and songs are performed by creative teams of the velayat, and fiery dances are performed.

Then the leader of the nation visited the two-storey shopping center "Kerwensaraý", where all conditions were created for both drivers and passengers. The complex includes a supermarket with a wide range of goods, playgrounds for children with various attractions. The cafeteria has a list of food and drinks for every taste. For long-distance drivers there is a motel, where there are all conditions for a good rest.

Having familiarized himself with the amenities created here, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left a memorable entry in the Book of Honorary Guests.

On the square in front of the Trade Center, the leader of the nation solemnly handed the keys to new vehicles intended for operation on the new high-speed road to the members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

Having warmly said goodbye to the audience, the head of state left for Ashgabat.

Among the key tasks outlined by the head of state for the foreseeable future is the consistent integration into the world transport system and further expansion of infrastructure along the main highways, connecting routes and nodes in the East-West and North-South directions.

The foreign policy strategy of the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is based on the vision of the region of Central Asia and the Caspian Basin as a strong link in strategic stability in the Eurasian space, and Turkmenistan as a reliable partner for all interested countries and at the same time as a transport and transit hub of continental importance. And the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat autobahn is to become an important component of this multimodal logistics system.