China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway May Be Completed Ahead of Schedule
Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could be completed at least one year earlier than originally planned, Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov said.
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project might be finished a minimum of one year sooner than initially planned, according to Uzbekistan's Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov, who shared this information during an interview with Uzbekistan 24 television.
The minister reported that roughly 17% of the construction is already complete. Currently, work is progressing on eight significant bridges, with over 10,000 laborers and more than 7,000 pieces of specialized machinery deployed across the various construction sites.
Makhkamov stated, "We have personally observed that, with the oversight of the head of state, a project initially projected to take at least five years could be finalized at least one year ahead of schedule."
He further mentioned that Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China have reached an agreement to decrease border crossing durations, eliminate obstacles in transport and logistics, digitize permit documentation, and eventually transition to a permit-free system for freight transportation.
Makhkamov indicated that the volume of cargo moving between China and Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan has seen a sevenfold increase. He asserted that the new rail line would enhance Uzbekistan's transit capabilities and offer an additional alternative transport and logistics route linking the country with China.
During discussions between the leaders of the two nations, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev referred to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as the "project of the century," anticipating its transformative impact on the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The railway's construction officially commenced on December 27, 2024, in Jalal-Abad. The planned route for the line will traverse Kashgar–Torugart–Makmal–Jalal-Abad–Andijan.
The total length of the railway will be 532.53 km, with approximately 312 km of this stretch located within Kyrgyzstan.
Based on the intergovernmental agreement, the project's preliminary valuation stands at US$4.7 billion. China will possess a 51% share in the joint project company, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will each hold 24.5%.
Of the overall project cost, China will provide approximately US$2.3 billion as a 35-year loan, with the remaining sum to be contributed by the shareholders as equity, proportionate to their ownership stakes.