Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 December 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway was held.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the participants, emphasizing the significance of the project for the region and international cooperation.

In his speech, the head of state noted that the realization of this trans-regional project is the result of nearly 30 years of efforts. “Today, we are starting the construction work, marking a new phase in the development of the transportation infrastructure of our countries,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The project involves the creation of a railway corridor that will connect Central Asia to China via the shortest land route. The President emphasized that the railway will be an important part of the global "Belt and Road" initiative, contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the participating countries.

The route, including Kashgar, Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad, and Andijan, will involve the construction of 20 stations, 42 bridges, and 25 tunnels. Additionally, modern transit and logistics infrastructure will be created, including terminals and warehouses.

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

The annual freight volume along the corridor will reach up to 15 million tons. The distance and delivery time for goods from China to Europe will be reduced by several thousand kilometers and nearly a week. Moreover, the railway will create opportunities for regular passenger transportation.

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

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the railway construction will become a symbol of friendship and progress. In the future, the line will be connected to the Trans-Afghan corridor, further enhancing the transportation interconnection between China, Central, and South Asia.

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

In conclusion, the President wished success to the engineers, builders, and all those 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 implementation of 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 will pass through mountainous terrain, connecting 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 the railway is projected to reach 13.5 million tons. This will reduce delivery times 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 links for Uzbekistan and other countries in the region but also to create new transit routes. The railway will provide Central Asia with access to the Pacific Ocean through China, while China will gain access to the Persian Gulf countries.

The development and construction of the railway will be carried out by the Chinese company China Railway International.

A joint company, "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company," has been established for the project, registered in Kyrgyzstan. The Chinese side holds 51% of the company’s shares, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each hold 24.5%.