Kyrgyzstan starts building railway linking China, Uzbekistan

[Beijingwalker]

China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway set for 2030 launch with $4.7bn investment​

• Uzbekistan

March. 24 2026

Source: Exclusive.kg
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is scheduled to be commissioned around 2030, according to statements by Sadyr Japarov, as reported by 24.kg.

Japarov stated that the project is expected to transform Kyrgyzstan from a landlocked route into a transit corridor between Europe and China. The railway is projected to improve regional connectivity, reduce delivery times for goods, and facilitate access to new markets.

Construction of the railway began on December 27, 2024. A loan agreement to support the project was signed in Bishkek on December 16, 2025. The total cost of the railway is estimated at $4.7bn. Approximately $2.3bn will be provided by China in the form of a 35-year loan to a joint project company established by China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The loan will be repaid by the project company.

The remaining $2.3bn will be contributed as equity to the joint company. Ownership shares are распределены with China holding 51%, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each hold 24.5%.

The railway is expected to handle approximately 8mn tons of cargo annually by 2030. Projections indicate that cargo volumes could increase to 10mn tons by 2040 and 13.5mn tons by 2050. According to the Kyrgyz government, the project is expected to reach full cost recovery within 30 to 40 years.

Authorities also highlighted the importance of developing supporting infrastructure a

 

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Tunnel excavation underway on Kyrgyzstan–China–Uzbekistan railway - | 24.KG

As part of the construction of Kyrgyzstan—China—Uzbekistan railway, tunnel excavation and infrastructure preparation are currently underway. The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan reported.

24.kg

Tunnel excavation underway on Kyrgyzstan–China–Uzbekistan railway​

12:52, 15 April 2026, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , by Aizada KUTUEVA

As part of the construction of Kyrgyzstan—China—Uzbekistan railway, tunnel excavation and infrastructure preparation are currently underway. The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan reported.

According to the ministry, key preparatory infrastructure has already been put in place. Temporary power supply lines have been installed, including four transformer substations, 2,095 utility poles, and 259 kilometers of transmission lines. In addition, 192,323 kilometers of temporary roads have been built along the route.

Earthworks have also begun on certain sections, with the formation of the railbed in progress.

The project provides for the construction of 29 tunnels with a total length of 104.83 kilometers.

Excavation work is ongoing in all 29 tunnels, including eight tunnels exceeding 5 kilometers in length.

The corridor will also include three major tunnels, each longer than 12 kilometers:

• Naryn Tunnel No. 1
• Kosh-Dobo Tunnel
• Fergana Tunnel

The total length of the Kyrgyzstan—China—Uzbekistan railway will exceed 530 kilometers, with approximately 304 kilometers running through the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

 

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Kyrgyzstan Logistics Center Aims to Link China and Central Asia - The Times Of Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan logistics center in Balykchy is designed to strengthen transport links between China, Central Asia and wider post-Soviet markets

timesca.com

29 May 2026

Kyrgyzstan Logistics Center Aims to Link China and Central Asia​

Kyrgyzstan has opened a new international trade and logistics center designed to strengthen transport links between China, Central Asia and wider post-Soviet markets, as Bishkek seeks to expand its role as a regional transit hub.

The new facility, Altyn Logistic, officially opened on May 28 in the city of Balykchy, at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The 5.5 hectare logistics center includes warehouses, a railway line with loading and unloading infrastructure, and a large open parking area. According to officials, the complex is capable of handling up to 200 trucks per day and is expected to create around 80 jobs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev said the country is seeking to grow its transit and logistics potential due to its strategic position along international transport corridors.

“The center is located on one of the key routes of the Silk Road, and I am confident that it will effectively function as a major logistics hub linking China, Central Asian countries and CIS states,” Kasymaliev said.

The choice of Balykchy is strategically important as the city already serves as a transport junction in northern Kyrgyzstan. Located at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul, it is the final stop on the railway line from Bishkek and sits on the road corridor running from the capital toward Naryn and the Torugart Pass on the Chinese border.

Balykchy is also the starting point for the Balykchy-Kochkor-Kara-Keche railway, a 186-kilometer line under construction since 2022. The route is intended to connect the existing northern rail network with Kochkor and the Kara-Keche coal deposit in Naryn Region, one of the main sources of coal for Bishkek’s thermal power plant.

Authorities plan eventually to integrate this line with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is currently under construction inside Kyrgyzstan. If that happens, Balykchy would become a central node in a wider rail system linking the country’s north with new east-west freight routes through Naryn, Jalal-Abad and onward to Uzbekistan.

The city’s road position is also becoming more important. TCA has previously reported that Kyrgyzstan’s alternative North-South highway is designed to link Balykchy with Jalal-Abad, cutting the journey between the two cities from around 13 hours to six once fully operational. That would give Balykchy a stronger role in domestic freight movement, not only in trade with China and Kazakhstan.

The new logistics center also fits into Kyrgyzstan’s wider effort to turn its limited rail network into a transit asset. Kyrgyzstan’s railway system still spans only 425 kilometers and remains split between northern and southern sections, but that freight turnover has begun recovering after years of stagnation.

For Bishkek, the value of Altyn Logistic will depend on whether those larger rail and road projects are completed. For now, the center strengthens Balykchy’s role as a northern cargo hub; in the longer term, it could become a link between Kyrgyzstan’s existing rail connection to Kazakhstan and the new routes being built toward China and Uzbekistan.

 

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Uzbekistan takes part in Beijing seminar on China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2. Uzbekistan is participating in an international seminar in Beijing on the construction and operation management of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, Trend reports…

www.trend.az

Uzbekistan takes part in Beijing seminar on China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project​

Economy Materials 2 June 2026 15:34 (UTC +04:00)

Photo: The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2. Uzbekistan is participating in an international seminar in Beijing on the construction and operation management of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek Ministry of Transport.

The event brings together representatives from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Uzbekistan Railways JSC, Tashkent State Transport University, and the Transport Control Inspection, alongside transport officials, academics, and industry experts from the region.

The seminar focuses on advancing regional transport connectivity and strengthening cooperation in large-scale infrastructure projects. It provides a platform for Uzbek and Kyrgyz officials, researchers, and specialists to explore the latest trends and innovative solutions in modern railway systems.

Organizers said the event aims to enhance international cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, share best practices in railway infrastructure development, and improve the management of major regional projects.

Participants are also discussing the harmonization of international standards for cross-border railway operations, the management of high-speed rail systems, and the integration of innovative technologies into railway infrastructure.

Special attention is being given to technical and operational aspects of the strategically important China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan corridor, including coordination mechanisms and long-term development prospects.

 

[PK781]

man i admire these countries who have the vision to do these projects while ours are stuck in forever rot and can't do anything worthwhile........good luck to these countries

 

[ACE OF HEARTS]

All these counties have strong central government.
So decisions are made quicker and results are obvious.

They are not black mailed by Liberal/ pro democracy groups.

 

[东风夜放花千树]

well done China

all they ever do is build build build

while Europeans only know how to murder and kill

Some believe that all problems are problems of economic development. People do not receive the job opportunities, education, healthcare, income, transportation, living conditions, and so on they hope for.

If economic development and living standards can be improved in countries along the route, conflicts among them will be greatly reduced. Very few are willing to give up a stable, safe, and comfortable environment to participate in riots. Most people hope for a quiet life.

This is our understanding of resolving disputes and instability. While building trade corridors to boost economic development and create jobs, we provide projects such as vocational and technical colleges, electricity, water resources, medical institutions, recreational venues, agricultural cooperation, and technical training to these countries. Many programs are free aid programs.

Take the Lao railway as an example.

Chinese railway authorities provide Laos with advanced railway technical standards, talent training, and a series of vocational skills appraisal systems free of charge, dispatching experts to be stationed long-term in Laos to cultivate skilled railway personnel. Currently, the number of employees on the China-Laos Railway in Laos has exceeded 90%.

On October 12, 2023, the Laos Railway Vocational and Technical College, built with free assistance from China, was officially handed over to the Lao government. This is the first railway technical college in Southeast Asia.

Laos Railway Vocational and Technical College and Kunming Railway Vocational and Technical College have adopted the "2.5" cooperation model. After Lao teachers went to Kunming for two years of training in educational capacity and teacher training, China sent an expert team to Laos to carry out a five-year educational technology cooperation. On September 12, 2025, China Kunming Railway Vocational and Technical College sent its fifth batch of teaching teams to aid Laos.

The China-Laos Railway fully opened for operation on December 3, 2021. Here is the export data from Laos.

 

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Mirkhamidov: Uzbekistan ready to increase cargo transportation along China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan corridor

Uzbekistan is ready to fully support the development of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport corridor, Mirziyod Mirkhamidov, chairman of the Board of Oztemiryolkonteyner Uzbekistan, said at the 2nd Caspian International Forum on Transport, Transit, and Logistics, currently underway in Baku...

report.az

Mirkhamidov: Uzbekistan ready to increase cargo transportation along China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan corridor​

• 03 June, 2026

Uzbekistan is ready to fully support the development of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport corridor, Mirziyod Mirkhamidov, chairman of the Board of O'ztemiryo'lkonteyner Uzbekistan, said at the 2nd Caspian International Forum on Transport, Transit, and Logistics, currently underway in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, although construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line is not yet fully completed, cargo volumes are already being transported along the route: "In 2025, approximately 10,000 containers were transported along this line. In the first five months of 2026, this figure was approximately 6,000 containers. Given the current trend, we expect that by the end of the year, transportation volumes will increase by 15-20% compared to last year."

He noted that Uzbekistan, as one of the route participants, and O'ztemiryo'lkonteyner attach great importance to the corridor's development prospects: "Currently, we have 18 cargo terminals and extensive logistics infrastructure at our disposal in Uzbekistan. Therefore, we are ready to mobilize all our capabilities to expand cargo transportation along the corridor and provide the necessary support to our partners."

 

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China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Corridor May Open by 2028

Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway corridor could be completed ahead of schedule by 2028–2029, according to transport officials.

www.uzdaily.uz

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Corridor May Open by 2028​

UzDaily·19.06.2026·09:30

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway corridor could be completed two years ahead of the original deadline, by 2028–2029 instead of 2030. The statement was made by TRACECA Secretary General and Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Jasurbek Choriev at a panel session of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

EDB Says Uzbekistan Is Becoming a Eurasian Transport Hub - The Times Of Central Asia

Uzbekistan is becoming a crossroads of Eurasian transport corridors, Alexei Skatin, deputy chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank

timesca.com

EDB Says Uzbekistan Is Becoming a Eurasian Transport Hub
19 June 2026

Uzbekistan is becoming a crossroads of Eurasian transport corridors, Alexei Skatin, deputy chairman of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), said at the Tashkent International Investment Forum on June 18.

According to Skatin, three key railway corridors will pass through the country: the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is already under construction; the Trans-Afghan railway; and the planned Tashkent-Samarkand high-speed rail line.

 

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The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will become a ‘second Kumtor’ — the president on Akchabar

The construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will enable Kyrgyzstan to break out of its transport isolation and gain a new source .

www.akchabar.kg

Published
07/21/2026, 13:09

The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will become a ‘second Kumtor’ — the president​

The construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will enable Kyrgyzstan to break out of its transport isolation and gain a new source of long-term revenue, the country’s President Sadyr Japarov stated on his Facebook page.

According to him, once the project is completed, Kyrgyzstan will be able to become a transit country through whose territory an important transport route between China and global markets will pass.

“Transit shipments will bring Kyrgyzstan a stable and long-term income comparable to that currently provided by the ‘Kumtor’ gold mine. It could be said that this will become the country’s second ‘Kumtor’,” said the head of state.

The President noted that Kyrgyzstan currently remains a country without direct access to key global transport corridors. According to him, both the country’s rail and road infrastructure remain limited, which means that exports and imports are largely dependent on external factors.

At the same time, Kyrgyzstan requires the assistance of foreign specialists to implement the project. According to the President, training domestic personnel to build such a railway line could take decades.

“We cannot afford to wait, so we have already begun implementing the project,” he noted.

The President emphasised that halting the construction of the railway could lead to the country remaining dependent on external transport links and slow down economic development.

The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project is regarded by the authorities as one of the key infrastructure projects, which is expected to expand the country’s export opportunities, increase its transit potential and integrate Kyrgyzstan into international trade routes.

 

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More energy, mobility and trade: Key outcomes of Mirziyoyev-Japarov meeting

A wrap-up of the Mirziyoyev-Japarov meeting, which saw both leaders agree to boost trade, accelerate the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and boost trade.

uz.kursiv.media

From $5bn power plant to “railway of the century”: Key takeaways from Uzbek-Kyrgyz summit​

Published July 31, 2026 12:41

Photo: Uzbekistan’s presidential press service

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have taken their ties up a notch after a bilateral meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his counterpart Sadyr Japarov. The agenda was full of billion-dollar projects that would enliven trade and connectivity across the region.

The meeting, held in Kyrgyzstan on 30 July, saw Mirziyoyev and Japarov elevate the bilateral relationship to the highest level so far. The two leaders have agreed to work more closely on everything from trade and transport to regional security. The leaders also raised the bar for economic cooperation, setting a new target of $3bn in annual trade, more than double last year’s turnover.

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway​

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway once again featured prominently in the talks, although this time the message was less about ambition and more about delivery.

Mirziyoyev and Japarov committed to keeping the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction on schedule and expediting its implementation, recognising its potential to reshape freight routes between China and Central Asia and serve as a flagship initiative of the new alliance.

«I want to say that this is a construction [project] of the century … This railway will dramatically change geopolitics. You and I worked so hard towards that, and one should understand that this is a big success,» Mirziyoyev commented.

China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed an intergovernmental agreement on the railway in June 2024, before finalising its $4.7 billion financing package in December 2025. Construction officially began in Kyrgyzstan later that month and has since advanced to major engineering works, including tunnels.

Connecting the Chinese and Soviet gauges was one major challenge. Image: Kursiv Uzbekistan
Once completed, the railway is expected to become a key Belt and Road corridor, giving China another overland trade route to Central Asia while helping Uzbekistan strengthen links with Iran and Turkey.

Kambarata hydropower project​

Water and energy cooperation took centre stage as leaders reaffirmed their commitment to jointly manage shared water resources and accelerate the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant project, seen as vital for enhancing regional energy security and cooperation.

The plant will be built on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan and developed jointly by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Under the current proposal, Kyrgyzstan will own a 34% stake in the project, while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will each hold 33%. Construction is expected to take around 10 years, with the total cost estimated at $5-6 billion.

More cross-border mobility​

The leaders also announced plans to expand connectivity across the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border. Speaking after the talks, President Sadyr Japarov said the agreements signed during the visit would fully resolve the remaining border issues and double the number of border crossing points from 15 to 30, calling it «a dream» for people living in border regions.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan settled most of their long-running border disputes in 2022, when they signed agreements on the state border and the joint management of the Andijan (Kempir-Abad) Reservoir. The border treaty defined 302.3 kilometres of the frontier, covering 35 previously disputed sections, paving the way for closer cross-border trade and travel.