Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union and the independence of the republics of Central Asia, connectivity to Fergana Valley region was not an issue, as a rail line cutting across Sughd Region of Tajik SSR connected Tashkent and the rest of Uzbekistan to the region.

The breakup of the Soviet Union meant that Fergana Valley was connected to the rest of Uzbekistan via only one road connection, A373 Highway through Kamchik Pass.

Rail connection required travelling through territory of the now separate country of Tajikistan, resulting in a reported annual cost of $25 million in transit fees paid to Tajikistan.

Construction began September 2013 and the excavation works were finished 27 February 2016.

In January 2014, work was delayed by an avalanche, covering the entrance with 78 metres (256 ft) of snow.