China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway Construction Progresses Ahead of Schedule
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The joint implementation of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project will significantly strengthen transport connectivity across Central Asia and reshape the region's logistics infrastructure between East and West, according to Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev in an interview with the Dunyo Information Agency.
Kulubaev highlighted the high-profile project as a prime example of mutual trust among Central Asian nations, underscoring its pivotal role in establishing a unified Eurasian transport network.
Following the official launch of construction on 27 December 2024 in Jalal-Abad, work on the 532.53 km line—routing through Kashgar, Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad, and connecting to Andijan—has accelerated. Approximately 312 km of the railway traverses Kyrgyz territory.
The project carries an estimated baseline cost of US$4.7 billion. Under the intergovernmental framework, ownership of the joint project company is divided with China holding a 51% stake, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan hold 24.5% each.
Financing includes a 35-year loan of approximately US$2.3 billion provided by China, with the remaining capital contributed directly into the joint company's equity by the three participating nations according to their respective shares.
Uzbek Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov previously noted on national television that construction progress is advancing rapidly and could be completed at least a year ahead of its original timeline.
Roughly 17% of overall construction work was completed by early August 2026, with active operations under way on eight major bridges. Over 10,000 workers and more than 7,000 specialized heavy equipment units are currently deployed along the construction corridor.
Once operational, the CKU railway line will establish a direct transit route linking China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, opening new commercial trade channels extending into wider Central Asia, the Middle East, and European markets.
