The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has included 23 projects worth approximately $10.8 billion in Kyrgyzstan's transport portfolio, with implementation scheduled through 2035, Economist.kg reports.
These projects cover the development of international transport corridors, roads, railways, airports, border and logistics infrastructure. The data is presented in the EDB's updated Eurasian Transport Framework Observatory, published on July 23, 2026.
More than half of the announced investment goes to railway infrastructure—$5.49 billion. Another $2.93 billion is earmarked for roads, $1.57 billion for airports, $770 million for border crossings, and approximately $42 million for logistics centers and warehouses.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway remains the largest project, costing approximately $4.7 billion. This represents nearly 44% of Kyrgyzstan's total transport portfolio and approximately 86% of investments planned for the railway sector.
By comparison, the alternative North-South highway between Balykchy and Jalal-Abad is estimated to cost approximately $900 million, while the reconstruction of the Issyk-Kul Ring Road is estimated to cost $500 million.
However, a significant portion of the portfolio has not yet entered the active phase. Projects worth approximately $4.64 billion are in the implementation phase, with another $960 million in the design documentation stage.
Approximately $5.2 billion, or almost half of the announced volume, is accounted for by projects still in the planning stage.
The portfolio structure demonstrates that Kyrgyzstan is gradually developing not just a collection of individual transport projects, but the foundation for transforming the country into an important link on international routes between China and Central Asia.
The dominance of railway investment is particularly significant. Unlike road transport, railways can ensure more stable and large-scale freight transit, which is especially important for a landlocked country.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is of key importance here. Its role extends far beyond the bilateral infrastructure initiative: the project is intended to connect the Chinese railway network with Central Asian markets and create additional opportunities for freight to reach further west and south.
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) itself calls this railway the largest project with Chinese participation in Central Asian transport infrastructure.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 13, 2026