Construction work on the future China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan line has been on the way for over a year. Recently, the Kyrgyz president revealed a timeline for its completion and plans to connect it to the country’s existing rail network. Ultimately, CKU could link up to Kazakhstan and the Middle Corridor.
President Zhaparov expects the CKU line to be ready by 2030. It should connect Kashgar, China with Andijon, Uzbekistan, through Kyrgyzstan. This is a tough route for rail, especially considering the mountainous terrain.
Kyrgyzstan is also working on other railways. Construction takes place in the area around the large Issyk-Kul lake. The country could connect this railway, which also links up to the capital city Bishkek and neighbouring Kazakhstan, to the CKU line.
“In the future, under favourable conditions, it is planned to extend it to Kara-Keche, and then also to Makmal, guaranteeing an additional rail connection between the north and south”, said Zhaparov. Makmal will be a key location on the CKU line, since China’s standard 1,435-millimetre gauge and the 1,520-millimetre gauge will meet there. Kyrgyzstan has already finished part of the railway to Kara-Keche.
The railway will have significant benefits to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Both countries are landlocked and stand to profit from diversified trade routes. There are concerns, however, about the railway’s financial costs and benefits. Particularly Kyrgyzstan will need to take on significant debts. Meanwhile, the railway is expected to have limited capacity in the mountainous terrain.