Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has entered an active phase, following a meeting between the Kyrgyz government and representatives of the company implementing the project.

According to the project company, preparation of the main design materials has been completed, while refinement and approval of the technical documentation are ongoing. At the same time, large-scale work has begun at construction sites.

More than 5,000 people and approximately 5,600 units of specialized equipment are currently involved in the project. Tunnel excavation, earthworks, and bridge construction are underway, with total earthworks exceeding 3.5 million cubic meters.

Erlist Akunbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and the official overseeing the project, highlighted the importance of strict compliance with environmental standards and safety requirements. He added that the government would provide the necessary support and coordination to ensure timely completion.

Kyrgyz authorities view the railway as a strategic infrastructure project. The new transport corridor is expected to provide the country with direct access to international markets and strengthen its role in regional logistics.

One of the key challenges during the design phase was the difference in railway track gauge. China uses the 1,435 mm standard, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan use 1,520 mm. As a result, a compromise has been reached: part of the railway in Kyrgyzstan will be built to the Chinese standard, with a transshipment hub created to ensure connectivity.

Economically, the project is expected to boost exports, primarily agricultural products, to China, the Middle East, and Europe. At present, a significant portion of cargo is transported by road through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, with onward routes to the Azov and Black Seas, as well as via China to Pakistan and India.

The launch of rail services is expected to reduce logistics costs and improve the competitiveness of Kyrgyz products in foreign markets.