Kyrgyzstan Breaks Ground on New Railway Linking Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov has officially launched the construction of an 86-kilometer railway line connecting Balykchy, Tamchy, and Cholpon-Ata. The project, marked by the installation of a ceremonial time capsule, will establish a vital rail link along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake, including direct access to the Issyk-Kul International Airport.

Key Project Highlights

• Logistics Hub: The line is designed to support a major new transport and logistics hub at the airport, complementing several large-scale investment initiatives currently underway in the region.
• Economic Impact: The construction phase is set to create over 400 jobs, with 200 permanent positions anticipated once the line becomes operational.
• Freight Capacity: Initial estimates suggest the line will handle up to 5 million tonnes of freight annually, with expectations for growth as the regional economy expands.

Expanding the National Rail Network

During the groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, President Zhaparov emphasized that this project is part of a broader, strategic effort to revitalize Kyrgyzstan’s transport infrastructure and strengthen domestic connectivity. Key ongoing rail initiatives include:

• China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway: A 304-km strategic line currently under active construction. A central feature of this development is the Makmal freight transfer station, which is expected to evolve into a primary national logistics center.
• Balykchy–Kochkor–Kara-Keche–Makmal Project: A critical domestic undertaking aimed at bridging the transport divide between the northern and southern regions of the country.

The President noted that as these projects progress, public trust and reliance on the national railway system continue to grow, signaling a shift toward more integrated and efficient domestic transit.