Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan is set to achieve a significant transport breakthrough with the development of a railway connecting the country with China and Uzbekistan, according to Kamilia Igrebaeva, Chief Expert at the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Igrebaeva’s comments were reported by Trend during the 13th meeting of the SCO Think Tanks Forum, which focused on regional cooperation and governance.
According to Trend News Agency, Igrebaeva highlighted the current challenges faced by Kyrgyzstan, which is geographically landlocked and has limited railway connections with neighboring countries. The new railway project, described as the “construction project of the century,” aims to address these challenges by facilitating the transportation of goods through Kyrgyzstan from China to Uzbekistan and onwards to Europe. This development is expected to increase cargo traffic and provide considerable economic benefits for Kyrgyzstan.
Igrebaeva explained that Uzbekistan, like Kyrgyzstan, lacks access to the sea, making the railway route crucial. The project involves adapting Chinese narrow-gauge lines to broader gauge tracks in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, reducing transportation time by 8-10 days. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for perishable goods and creates economic opportunities for both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Additionally, China will benefit from a shorter route to Europe, bypassing the Far East or southern regions, according to Igrebaeva.
She also mentioned the potential for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to connect with the Middle Corridor in the future, further enhancing regional connectivity and economic prospects.