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Rail transport in Tajikistan is limited, as the railroad system totals only 680 kilometres (420 mi) of non-electrified, single-track railway, all of it 1,520 mm (4 ft 11 27⁄32 in) broad gauge. The system connects the main urban centers of western Tajikistan with points in neighboring Uzbekistan. In 1999 a new line connected the southern cities of Qurghonteppa and Kulob. In 2016, another line connected both cities to the capital Dushanbe, thus linking southern and central railway networks together. The northern branch around Khujand remains physically disconnected from this main tajik railway network, accessible only through a lengthy transit via Uzbekistan. As of 2016, the passenger service remains limited to infrequent international trains from Dushanbe and Khujand to Moscow, as well as a daily local service between Dushanbe and Pakhtaabad.
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Difficulties
Passenger transit through Tajikistan has been hindered by periodic failures of Tajik Railways to pay transit tariffs and by safety issues.
Modernization
A recent agreement between the heads of state of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan will modernize parts of Tajikistan's rail system to allow more trade between Central Asian countries.