Road transport continues to lead Kyrgyzstan’s cargo shipping industry, accounting for over 82% of the total freight volume in the first 11 months of 2024, according to data from the National Statistical Committee.
During this period, the country transported more than 48.638 mn tons of cargo across all modes of transport, a 5.9% increase (2.722 mn tons) compared to the same period in 2023.
- Road Transport: A total of 40.001 mn tons of goods were transported by road, reflecting a 7.8% rise (2.879 mn tons) compared to the previous year.
- Rail Transport: Rail freight volumes reached 8.227 mn tons, marking a 3.1% decline (0.261 mn tons) from 2023.
- Air Transport: Cargo transported by air saw a significant surge, increasing by 252.5% to 0.042 mn tons, a gain of 0.03 mn tons year-over-year.
- Pipeline Transport: Pipeline shipments rose by 25.6%, totaling 0.368 mn tons, an increase of 0.075 mn tons.
The steady growth in road transport highlights its critical role in Kyrgyzstan’s logistics and freight sectors. Meanwhile, the substantial growth in air freight suggests a rising demand for expedited cargo services, and the increase in pipeline transport reflects ongoing improvements in energy and resource logistics.
Despite the overall growth in freight transport, the decline in rail cargo underscores challenges in maintaining competitiveness within the sector. Authorities are expected to focus on infrastructure upgrades and modernization to reverse the trend.
With the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzebkistan railway project being launched on December 27, 2024 it could see a rise in Rail transport once the project is complete.
In September 2022, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China agreed on the route for a 454 km railway, with financing discussed in later talks. A joint venture was formed in June, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan each holding 24.5% and China controlling 51%. The $4.7 bn project will be funded by the countries’ shares, with China providing a $2.35 bn non-commercial loan. In July, Uzbekistan allocated $255 mn for the project, with $14 mn planned for disbursement by year-end. By November, the Ministry of Transport and EBRD explored further financing options.
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