The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is scheduled to begin on December 27, 2024, as announced by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the People's Congress. This strategic project is expected to connect East and West, facilitating improved transportation links between the three countries.
The railway project was first proposed in 1996, with multiple feasibility studies conducted over the years. However, the project faced challenges, including geographical difficulties and issues surrounding the railway track width and financing.
In June 2024, the three countries signed an official agreement outlining the terms of the railway's construction and financing. The estimated total cost of the project is $4.7bn, with the railway line set to span 486 kilometers, including 18 stations, 81 bridges, and 41 tunnels. The project will also require 44.29 hectares of land in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan.
A joint venture will be formed to oversee the project, with China holding a 51% stake and Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each holding 24.5%. China will provide half of the financing, contributing $2.35 bn in the form of a loan. The remaining amount will be shared by Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The construction is expected to take five years to complete.
The railway will enhance cargo transportation efficiency, with the potential to boost annual cargo volume to 13.5mn tons by 2050. This project is anticipated to have several benefits for the participating countries. Kyrgyzstan aims to increase transit revenues, improve access to mineral deposits, and connect the northern and southern parts of the country. Currently, Kyrgyzstan lacks a unified railway network.
Uzbekistan is a key supporter of the project, as it will reduce its dependence on Kazakhstan and streamline trade with China. It is also expected to boost the development of the Fergana Valley and increase transit cargo volumes. For China, the railway will provide an additional route for cargo transport to and from Central Asia, as well as to the Middle East and Iran.
The Kyrgyz government expects the project to become self-sustaining within 30-40 years, with significant returns anticipated from the increased volume of goods transported along the new route.
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