Kyrgyz FM Kulubayev says China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway 17% complete
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev said the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is 17% complete as of early August 2026. Uzbekistan's Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov said construction may finish at least a year ahead of schedule. The 532.53 km line is estimated to cost $4.7 billion.
Key Facts
- The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is 532.53 km long and runs from Kashgar through Torugart, Makmal, and Jalal-Abad to Andijan.
- The project is estimated to cost $4.7 billion, with China holding a 51% stake in the joint venture and Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each holding 24.5%.
- China is providing a loan of about $2.3 billion for 35 years, with the remaining funds contributed by participants as equity.
- As of early August 2026, about 17% of construction work was completed, with eight large bridges under construction.
- More than 10,000 workers and over 7,000 units of special equipment are involved in the project.
Project Overview
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is a 532.53 km line from Kashgar through Torugart, Makmal, and Jalal-Abad to Andijan. About 312 km of the railway will be built on Kyrgyz territory. The project is estimated to cost $4.7 billion under an intergovernmental agreement. China holds a 51% stake in the joint project company, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each hold 24.5%.
Construction Progress
Construction officially began on December 27, 2024, in Jalal-Abad. By early August 2026, about 17% of construction work was completed. Eight large bridges are currently under construction. More than 10,000 workers and over 7,000 units of special equipment are involved in the project. Uzbekistan's Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov told Uzbekistan 24 TV in August 2026 that construction may finish at least a year ahead of schedule.
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Kyrgyz FM Kulubayev says China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway 17% complete
