The railway aims to establish a connection between Kashgar in China, passing through Torugart, Makmal, and Jalalabad in Kyrgyzstan, before reaching Andijan in Uzbekistan.
The construction of the long-discussed China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway has started, according to an announcement made by Kyrgyz authorities, New Silk Road Discovery reports.
An investment agreement was signed between the Kyrgyz government and CKU Railway Company Limited, covering the project’s design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance. The company was formally established in July 2024 and commenced operations in late September.
Estimates suggest the railway could handle up to 15 million tonnes of freight annually, with delivery times potentially reduced by up to seven days compared to existing routes. The project also includes the development of logistics hubs, warehouses, and transit infrastructure along the corridor.
The railway’s preliminary construction cost is projected to be approximately $8 billion. The Bedel checkpoint on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border is expected to support cargo and passenger traffic through the corridor, contributing to regional connectivity and trade flow between Central Asia and international markets.