Shavkat Mirziyoyev: "The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will symbolize friendship and progress."

In his address, the head of state noted that the implementation of this trans-regional project is the result of nearly 30 years of efforts. “Today, we are officially launching the construction works, marking a new phase in the development of the transport infrastructure of our countries,” stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The project involves the creation of a railway corridor that will connect Central Asia with China via the shortest land route. The President emphasized that this road will be an essential part of the global “Belt and Road” initiative, promoting sustainable development and prosperity for the participating countries.

The route of the road, which includes Kashgar, Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad, and Andijan, encompasses the construction of 20 stations, 42 bridges, and 25 tunnels. Additionally, a modern transit-logistics infrastructure with terminals and warehouses will be established.

According to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the commissioning of the highway will lead to a significant increase in regional trade and investment volumes, a reduction in transportation costs, and the development of the transit potential of Central Asia.

The annual freight volume along the corridor is expected to reach up to 15 million tons. The distance and delivery times for goods from China to Europe will be shortened by several thousand kilometers and nearly a week. Furthermore, the railway will create opportunities for regular passenger transport.

“This project will serve as a powerful impetus for the creation of hundreds of new enterprises and tens of thousands of jobs, as well as strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation, bringing our peoples even closer together,” noted the President.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the construction of the railway will symbolize friendship and progress. In the future, it will connect the railway line with the Trans-Afghan corridor, enhancing the transport interconnectivity between China, Central Asia, and South Asia.

“Uzbekistan intends to actively participate in all stages of construction, utilizing all available technical and intellectual resources,” emphasized the head of state.

In conclusion of his address, the President wished success to the engineers, builders, and everyone involved in the implementation of this strategic project, noting that their work is creating a shared future for the region.

The cooperation agreement for the project was signed on June 6, 2024, between the government of China, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, and the government of Uzbekistan.

According to the project, the railway route will pass through mountainous terrain, linking Kashgar, Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad, and Andijan. The total length of the line will be 486 kilometers.

It is expected that the construction of the line will lead to significant changes in the region's logistics. By 2050, the annual freight volume on this railway is projected to reach 13.5 million tons. This will reduce delivery times for goods by seven days, providing Uzbekistan with an economic benefit of $150–200 million annually from freight transit.

The project aims not only to strengthen export-import ties for Uzbekistan and other countries in the region but also to create new transit routes. The railway will provide Central Asia access to the Pacific Ocean via China, while giving China access to the countries of the Persian Gulf.

The construction and development of the highway will be undertaken by the Chinese company China Railway International.

A joint company, “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company”, has been established for the implementation of the project, registered in Kyrgyzstan. The Chinese side holds 51% of the company's shares, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each have 24.5% stakes.