South Korean companies will assist Bishkek in building a modern charging infrastructure for electric public transport, following agreements reached between Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Sanzhar Bolotov and representatives of the Korea Environmental Transport Association, along with several private firms.
The collaboration aims to jointly develop, implement, and operate a state-of-the-art network of charging stations for electric buses in the Kyrgyz capital. It also includes the introduction of improved environmental practices.
“The South Korean side expressed its readiness not only to help with infrastructure, but also to transfer to Bishkek expert knowledge and technology in the field of eco-friendly transport, as well as to conduct extensive information campaigns to promote electric transport among the population,” the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Trade stated.
The agreement also encompasses a range of environmental initiatives. South Korean experts will assist Bishkek in improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, critical objectives for a city frequently plagued by severe air pollution, particularly in the autumn and winter months.
An important component of the agreement is the training of young specialists in South Korea. “Particular attention will be paid to the formation of a system of interaction between industry and the academic community, which will ensure the employment of trained specialists and the development of local expertise in the field of charging infrastructure operation,” the ministry added.
Bishkek has pursued a consistent strategy of replacing traditional public transport with electric alternatives. Initially, the city phased out route taxis, replacing them with buses powered by gas and petrol. More recently, city authorities purchased 120 electric buses manufactured in China, with some units already delivered, through a project in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank. Concurrently, the city has begun phasing out its aging trolleybus fleet, a move that has sparked public debate. The infrastructure previously used for trolleybuses is being repurposed for the electric bus network. However, the process has faced delays, and several tenders for modifying the existing contact network have been cancelled.
Starting in 2025, the popular Ala-Archa Nature Park will ban entry for vehicles with internal combustion engines. Tourists will be transported exclusively by municipal electric buses or allowed to use their own electric vehicles.
