Bishkek - The Times Of Central Asia

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Transport

Bishkek Activists Demand Comeback for City’s Scrapped Trolleybuses

As Bishkek prepares to introduce its first fleet of electric buses, local activists are mounting a legal campaign to save the city’s trolleybus system from complete dismantlement. Municipality’s Modernization Push The first two electric buses from China’s Anhui Ankai Automobile Co. have already arrived in Bishkek and will soon begin operating on city routes. In total, the city has procured 120 electric buses, with the remaining 118 expected to be delivered by May, according to Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of information policy at the President’s Office. Orunbekov said the new vehicles will replace outdated public transport and help improve the capital’s environmental conditions. “City streets used to be clogged with shuttle buses, and the roads were in disarray. Now modern buses are replacing minibuses. Last year, the roads were reconstructed and old trolleybus lines dismantled. Some residents were initially unhappy, but electric buses, more spacious and comfortable, are now on the routes,” he explained. A Contested Phase-Out Despite these upgrades, the decision to remove trolleybus lines has sparked a backlash. Bishkek residents and activists have sued the mayor’s office, arguing that officials acted without proper authorization in dismantling the network. All trolleybus lines in Bishkek were removed in a short period. Of the remaining fleet, 100 trolleybuses, many still under loan repayment, were transferred to Osh, six to Naryn, and 42 remain parked on the outskirts of the capital. Meanwhile, Kyrgyz MP Ulan Bishimbayev has announced that the authorities plan to retrofit some of the old trolleybuses with batteries to convert them into electric buses. One pilot project is already underway. “We invited specialists who confirmed it was possible. One trolleybus is being remodeled in pilot mode and should be launched within 10 days,” Bishimbayev said. Legal Battle and Environmental Concerns The next court hearing on the trolleybus issue is scheduled for April 9 at the Bishkek City Court. Activists argue that trolleybuses, powered by a network of 19 existing substations, remain one of the most sustainable forms of transport. “Trolleybus wires are a consumable material that needs replacement every 20 years. The challenge of restoring them is manageable. What matters are the substations, and they are still intact,” activist Bermet Borubayeva told The Times of Central Asia. She also questioned the narrative that the old system was outdated. “A representative from the president’s staff claimed the trolleybuses were outdated and would be replaced with electric buses. But that’s misleading. The trolleybuses bought with a €23.5 million European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) loan just six years ago are still modern, with a service life of 20 years,” she said. Borubayeva also pointed out that the batteries used in electric buses typically last only 5-10 years and pose environmental risks when recycled. According to earlier electrification plans approved by European lenders, Bishkek was expected to combine trolleybus and electric bus networks. However, city authorities have opted for a different course.

Air Pollution

UN Human Rights Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Air Quality in Bishkek

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern over deteriorating air quality in Bishkek during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan. The visit, focused on civil rights, freedom of speech, and economic development, also addressed pressing environmental issues affecting the Kyrgyz capital. Speaking at a press conference, Türk emphasized that Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most polluted countries in the region, and that air quality in Bishkek poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. “Despite some progress and financial support from international organizations, much more needs to be done to protect the environment,” he said. Türk urged Kyrgyz authorities to intensify efforts to combat climate change and to increase investment in green initiatives. He underscored the importance of climate finance and the need for comprehensive, cooperative action. “This issue must be addressed in partnership and through a climate change lens,” he said. “While there have been financial injections from international donors, they have not yet translated into sufficient results. Each country bears responsibility. Green investments are essential, not just for Kyrgyzstan, but for all nations. The government must take stronger, more effective action.” According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from IQAir, cities across Central Asia consistently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The report notes the following annual average concentrations (in micrograms per cubic meter): Dushanbe: 46.3 Tashkent: 31.4 Bishkek: 21.2 Osh: 20.5 Almaty: 20.3 Astana: 15.4 For context, the WHO’s recommended safe limit for PM2.5 is no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Transport

Bishkek Collaborates with KOICA and Seoul Institute on Sustainable Urban Transport Project

On March 11, Aibek Junushaliyev, Mayor of Bishkek, met with representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Seoul Institute, an official think tank for South Korea’s capital, to discuss preparations for a project titled, Creating a Sustainable Urban Transport System to Achieve Carbon Neutrality in Bishkek. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for Bishkek residents. According to the Bishkek municipality, KOICA representatives presented an implementation plan, while the Seoul Institute provided practical recommendations on integrating innovative transport technologies. The project’s key objectives include: Developing a long-term transport strategy for Bishkek, ensuring sustainable urban mobility Integrating modern technologies to optimize public transport routes, monitor traffic flows, and enhance efficiency through data analysis Improving accessibility and safety for all categories of users, including pedestrians and cyclists Engaging stakeholders, such as local communities, businesses, and NGOs, to ensure an inclusive and citizen-focused transport system Promoting environmental sustainability by introducing eco-friendly public transport and expanding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure Mayor Junushaliyev emphasized that the project’s success would not only modernize the city’s transport infrastructure but also enhance Bishkek’s environmental sustainability and investment appeal. Municipal transport remains a pressing issue in Kyrgyzstan’s rapidly growing capital. However, in recent years, Bishkek has taken steps to modernize its fleet, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles with larger, more eco-friendly buses running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Migrants

Kyrgyz Authorities Urge Migrants to Return Home From Russia

Kyrgyzstan's presidential spokesperson Askat Alagozov has urged Kyrgyz citizens who have gone to work in Russia to return and work at home. However, only some people share the government's position on the issue. Alagozov noted that the country desperately needs construction and textile workers. “Of course, the salary you expect will be the same as what you get in Russia. But, most importantly, it is better to work in your homeland and near your family. Come and work in your own country,” Alagozov wrote on social media. Alagozov published the Ministry of Labor and Social Development hotline number, where citizens can get help with employment. In comments to the post, citizens noted that salaries in Russia are higher than in Kyrgyzstan. A migrant in Russia receives an average of 80 to 200 thousand KGS ($950 - 2,350), while in Kyrgyzstan, the average salary is 30 to 50 thousand KGS ($350 - 600). “90% of Kyrgyz migrate to buy an apartment. Working here [in Kyrgyzstan], it is impossible to buy a house. The most important factor is migrants' need for housing,” one of Alagozov's followers said. As of August 1, 57,500 unemployed citizens were registered at the labor exchange. According to the National Statistical Committee, registered unemployment decreased by 21% over the past year. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development also claims that more than 230,000 citizens across the country have been employed over the past few years, while 58,000 have received vocational training. Meanwhile, workers registered at the labor exchange told The Times of Central Asia that the Kyrgyz labor market is not as good as the authorities make it out to be. To earn money, people have to take any job offered. “We are standing here on Lev Tolstoy Street, and everyone in Bishkek knows you can find workers if you come here. People here take on any work: construction and landscaping, concrete work, unloading, and transport work,” said a construction worker named Ulukbek. Permanent work is hard to find in the city, he said. “I can earn 1,500-2,000 KGS (US $18) daily, but not always, and sometimes you don't make any money. There is a mafia here; no one will give you a good job for nothing. There is massive competition in the warm seasons. In summer, people stand on both sides of the road, and there is more business to be had,” Ulukbek explained. Talk of a shortage of qualified construction workers in Kyrgyzstan began during the recent construction boom.

Bishkek Unrest Migrants Rule of law Bishkek Crime

An Uneasy Calm After Unrest in Bishkek

On the night of May 18, riots took place in Bishkek. The reason - a fight between foreign medical students and local youth. The trigger was a video of a scuffle, which occurred on May 13, when Egyptian citizens beat several locals. This video was then widely circulated on social networks. Local politicians have stated that they believe the situation was fueled from the outside. What happened? On the night of May 18, protesters blocked several streets in the center of Bishkek. According to the Interior Ministry, the number of people continued to grow, and there was a threat of mass disorder, so all personnel from the capital's police were placed on alert. All hostels and dormitories in the city where foreign citizens live were put under guard. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the large number of migrants coming into the country from Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The head of Kyrgyzstan's National Security Committee said law enforcement agencies detained several provocateurs who were calling for the overthrow of the government. By morning, the participants in the unauthorized rally had been dispersed. In total, about 1,000 people took part in the unrest, according to the capital's police. Law enforcement urged citizens not to give in to provocations and show a high-level of civil responsibility. The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic reported that following the incident, 41 people sought medical assistance in Bishkek. Four Egyptians were detained - local media claim they were participants in the conflict that took place on May 13. Later, it became known that some Kyrgyz citizens had also been detained. The confrontation between local residents and foreigners has acquired an international dimension, with a number of government agencies in neighboring countries expressing their concern. For example, Kazakhstan introduced a special regime on the border with Kyrgyzstan. The authorities in Pakistan, meanwhile, have organized emergency flights, and a number of their students and workers are leaving Kyrgyzstan. Several thousand students from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh and Nepal study at Bishkek's medical institutes. There are also migrant workers from these countries living in the country, who are mainly employed in the production of garments. Who benefits from the unrest? According to deputy Dastan Bekeshev of the Jokorku Kenesh, the unrest is an attempt to find the authorities' vulnerabilities. "One of the indicators of economic growth is when citizens of the country hire foreign citizens as workers. And there is no way for us to avoid conflicts with foreign citizens. Conflicts are also arranged by our own citizens abroad. Of course, guests should not forget that they are guests and must coexist peacefully with the citizens of the country they are in. But we should also learn tolerance and wisdom when various conflicts occur. There are law enforcement agencies and they have every opportunity to punish a foreigner and expel him from Kyrgyzstan for a long time. Our laws on external migration are very strict," the parliamentarian wrote on his Telegram channel. The MP said...

Bishkek Migrants Mob Violence

Tension Spills Into Streets of Bishkek After Fight Involving Foreigners

Police in riot gear deployed in part of Kyrgyzstan’s capital overnight as large crowds gathered in anger over an alleged fight between local and foreign people which was widely circulated on social media. The Kyrgyz government later reported that 28 people, including three foreigners had been injured in the incident, whilst four foreign citizens were arrested for incitement. The crowds milled around some intersections of Bishkek for hours before dispersing early Saturday, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the situation was stable. Riot police cordoned off areas where the mobs had gathered and negotiated with the protesters in order to head off any further confrontations. The incident appeared to reflect tension over the presence in Kyrgyzstan of migrants. Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking steps to tighten monitoring and penalties for foreigners who violate immigration laws, Kaktus Media reported. The fight which led to the wider conflagration happened at a hostel on May 13. Rumors spread on social media, and a video showing Kyrgyz students fighting with medical students from Egypt went viral. People started gathering on Friday night to show their dissatisfaction with what they said was the lax treatment of foreigners involved in the fight. However, police said three foreigners were detained on suspicion of hooliganism, the AKIpress news outlet reported. It said the suspects appeared in a video, apologizing for the fight and saying they would accept their punishment. “All measures were taken in a timely manner, they were detained, legal measures will be taken against them,” said Azamat Toktonaliev, head of Bishkek´s Internal Affairs Directorate. He told AKIpress that Kyrgyz citizens were invited to testify as witnesses and were not detained. Kyrgyzstan has expressed concern about the plight of some of its own citizens who travel to Russia in search of employment and have faced official scrutiny and sporadic harassment there. In the wake of the violence, diplomatic delegations from Pakistan and India have advised their students in Bishkek to stay indoors.