China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway gains priority in 2030 vision

Kyrgyzstan is planning to implement several railway construction projects in the coming years, as outlined in the country's National Development Program for 2030.

The plan includes modernizing transport infrastructure and developing railway networks by 2030.

“Particular attention is being given to the ‘China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan’ railway project, which aims to expand transit potential and enhance trade relations,” the program highlights.

Additionally, the program focuses on expanding domestic railways. This includes the "Balykchy–Karakol" route project, which was announced in May 2024 by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

As part of the plan to develop the Batken region, a "Batken–Kokand" railway is also envisioned. It is expected to create jobs, improve transport infrastructure, and boost trade, though detailed information about the project has not yet been disclosed.

The program also includes plans to create an international airport in Jalal-Abad, modernize Batken and Razzaqov airports, build the "Chatkal–Tashkent" highway, and upgrade several other roads.

For context, in September 2022, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China agreed on a 454-kilometer railway route. Financial aspects remain a key focus of subsequent discussions.

Previously, it was reported that officials from Kazakhstan’s “Passenger Transportation” JSC and Uzbekistan’s “O’zbekiston Temir Yo’llari” JSC reached an agreement to launch a passenger train service on the "Astana–Samarkand" route.