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Bishkek Considers Monorail System to Ease Transport Woes

Bishkek is exploring the possibility of building a monorail system to address its long-standing transport challenges and alleviate traffic congestion in Kyrgyzstan’s rapidly growing capital. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce, discussions were held on March 19 between Chinese company CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, the Bishkek municipality, and Kyrgyzstan’s national railway company Kyrgyz Temir Jolu. The talks focused on assessing the feasibility of constructing a monorail network in Bishkek. The parties agreed to conduct a detailed study of the project, evaluating its economic and technical viability. As part of this process, the Bishkek municipality will provide sketches of the proposed monorail system for analysis. City officials also emphasized that the project could be implemented as a public-private partnership, creating opportunities to attract foreign investment. If built, a monorail system could significantly improve Bishkek’s public transport infrastructure, offering a modern and efficient alternative for city residents. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel times, and improve urban mobility. The idea of constructing a monorail in Bishkek was first proposed in 2020. At the time, then-acting mayor Balbak Tulobaev dismissed skepticism surrounding the project and even suggested that in the future, monorail travel could extend as far as Karakol. In 2021, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with the Turkish company Sky Ray Ve Oto Yedek Parça Ekipmanlari Üretim Sanayi A.Ş. during President Sadyr Japarov’s official visit to Turkey. By 2022, the municipality had developed a preliminary plan for high-speed transport lines over the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers, which connect the southern and northern parts of the city. While the monorail remains in the planning stage, the renewed discussions signal a potential step toward modernizing Bishkek’s transport network and easing its growing traffic burden.

Transport Air Transport Digital Technologies public transport Innovative technology

Unmanned ‘Aero Taxi’ Planned to Launch in Kazakhstan Next Year

Kazakhstan plans to introduce an unmanned aero taxi service by 2026, following the example of South Korea, Minister of Transportation Marat Karabayev has announced. He outlined the project's timeline and potential routes. First Route and Project Details According to Karabayev, there are currently no legal restrictions preventing the launch of aeromobile services in Kazakhstan. "The first stage will involve a route from Almaty to the town of Alatau. We are in discussions with Kazakh entrepreneurs, and a pilot launch is planned for 2026. These will be silent, hydrogen-fueled helicopters capable of carrying five passengers. One Kazakhstani company has already expressed interest in developing the aeromobility sector," he said. He noted that similar technologies are being actively developed in South Korea and the United States, and Kazakhstan is studying their potential implementation. "We are currently assessing how this technology can be adapted for our country," Karabayev added. Regulatory Framework and International Experience The minister also mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has proposed studying international regulatory practices for such vehicles. "We will review this proposal. As unmanned vehicles become more common in Kazakhstan, we will develop the necessary legislative framework," he assured. However, Karabayev clarified that no amendments are currently being considered regarding liability for accidents involving unmanned vehicles. Global Developments in Aero Taxi Technology Unmanned aero taxis are already being tested and partially deployed in several countries. In the UAE, the Chinese company EHang has conducted pilot flights in Dubai, while in China, EHang has obtained certification for commercial operations. Meanwhile, South Korea is also conducting trials of air taxi services.

railroads public transport Regional Cooperation Construction Russia

Tajikistan and Russia Discuss Resuming Rail and Bus Routes

Tajikistan and Russia are in discussions to resume passenger train service between Dushanbe and Moscow, as well as bus routes between cities in both countries. These services were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport, Azim Ibrohim, shared this information at a press conference in response to a question from TASS. He said the issue was discussed in Moscow during a meeting between the Tajik delegation and Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit at the CIS Coordination Transport Conference. “We addressed many transport-related issues and reached a full understanding. There were no unresolved matters, but some require time, including the Dushanbe-Moscow railway route,” Ibrohim stated. He added that discussions are ongoing, with a final decision expected soon. The minister also noted that rail service between Bishkek and Moscow resumed late last year. In addition to rail services, Tajikistan and Russia are working to expand bus connections. In mid-January, bus routes from Khujand to Novosibirsk, Tyumen, and Surgut were restored. Currently, passenger trains from Tajikistan — departing from Dushanbe, Kulyab, and Khujand — only operate to Volgograd. If negotiations succeed, the resumption of direct rail and bus links will further facilitate travel and trade between the two countries.

public transport Transport Infrastructure Development internet access Railways

Satellite Internet Now Available on Astana-Almaty Train in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company, has launched a pilot project to provide satellite Internet access on its trains. The new service debuted on January 25 aboard the train connecting the capital, Astana, with the country's largest city, Almaty. Covering a 17-hour journey, the Astana-Almaty train route is one of the most popular in Kazakhstan. Using satellite technology, passengers can now access apps such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and other video-hosting platforms throughout their trip. However, access to torrent sites and platforms enabling streaming downloads will be restricted. The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, the Ministry of Transport, and Jusan Mobile, the official distributor of Eutelsat-OneWeb in Kazakhstan. Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, described the project as a milestone for digitalizing the country's transportation network. “The launch of this pilot project on the KTZ train using the low-orbit satellite constellation Eutelsat-OneWeb is an important event in the digitalization of transport,” Madiyev stated. “Thanks to cooperation with partners, we have demonstrated that even in challenging conditions, it is possible to provide passengers with high-speed (50-100 Mbps) and stable internet. This achievement paves the way for further digital transformation in Kazakhstan and enhances travel comfort for our citizens.” The pilot project also includes the introduction of several technological upgrades to improve the passenger experience. Mobile terminals for conductors have been deployed to facilitate quick ticket verification, while POS terminals allow for cashless payments in the dining car. Additionally, video surveillance systems have been installed to enhance security in railcars. According to Anuar Akhmetzhanov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Passenger Transportation, the introduction of satellite internet is a key step in modernizing passenger services. He added that in the future, satellite internet access will be expanded to trains operating on other major routes. Currently, internet access on Kazakh trains is available only when trains travel near cities and villages with cellular network coverage. For the vast stretches of railway running across Kazakhstan’s expansive steppes - often far from human habitation - connectivity has traditionally been unavailable. The adoption of satellite internet technology addresses this gap and ensures seamless connectivity even in remote areas. For a country as large as Kazakhstan - it is the ninth largest in the world - railways remain a vital mode of transportation. In 2024, KTZ transported 13.6 million passengers, with the Astana-Almaty, Astana-Shymkent, Almaty-Shymkent, Astana-Semey, and Almaty-Semey routes being the most popular.

economic public transport International Cooperation Air Transport Aviation Economy

Uzbekistan to Launch VIP Air Taxi Service in Partnership with UAE’s JETEX

During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates on January 13, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum of cooperation with JETEX, a leading UAE-based aviation services company. The agreement, signed by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov and JETEX founder Adel Mardini, sets the stage for ambitious projects in Uzbekistan’s civil aviation sector. One of the cornerstone initiatives involves JETEX providing Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services for VIP and CIP (Commercially Important Passenger) customers at Tashkent-East Airport through a public-private partnership. This project will also include the repair, sale, and maintenance of small aircraft, along with the launch of VIP air taxi services. These efforts aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s tourism industry and elevate the travel experience for high-end customers. According to officials, the project is expected to improve the quality of passenger services and enhance Tashkent’s reputation as an attractive and prestigious destination. Moreover, it is anticipated to generate over 200 jobs in Uzbekistan’s business aviation sector, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Founded in 2005, JETEX has become a global leader in business aviation services, with operations in over 50 locations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. The company’s expertise in Fixed Base Operator services ensures reliable and sustainable growth in the business aviation sector. Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) provide essential airport services such as aircraft refueling, parking, hangar maintenance, repair, charter sales, and other aviation-related services. These facilities cater to private and business aviation, ensuring high-quality services for operators and passengers. The partnership with JETEX marks a significant step forward in modernizing Uzbekistan’s aviation infrastructure and expanding its footprint in the global business aviation market.

Transport Social Social Services public transport Public health

Kazakhstan Expands Invataxi Services with Taxi Aggregator Partnership

Kazakhstan is expanding its efforts to provide accessible transportation for people with disabilities through the Invataxi project, which offers specially adapted minivans for travelers with mobility challenges. In a significant step forward, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population has partnered with a taxi aggregator to enhance and streamline the service, making it more accessible and efficient. As part of a pilot project launched in 2024, people with disabilities in Astana and Almaty used Invataxi services via the Yandex Go mobile application more than 207,000 times. This marks a dramatic increase compared to 2023 when the service was used 53,900 times. The pilot project introduced the use of passenger cars alongside the adapted minivans, significantly broadening the availability of transportation options. Previously, users had to book Invataxi rides by phone at least a day in advance. Now, thanks to Yandex's integration, users can request rides instantly via the mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient. A critical aspect of the pilot was that Yandex waived any commission on payments for these rides, ensuring affordability for passengers. The Yandex Go application includes a special feature that allows passengers with disabilities to notify drivers of any specific requests for the trip. Additionally, drivers have been trained to assist passengers with disabilities in entering and exiting the vehicle, further enhancing the service's accessibility. The pilot project initially operated in Astana and Almaty but will now be expanded to other regions across the country in 2025, as part of the government’s plan to replicate its success nationwide. In parallel with the Invataxi project, Kazakhstan is also investing in other accessible transportation initiatives, including the expansion of its fleet of Invacarriages specially adapted train carriages designed to accommodate people with disabilities. These efforts underscore the country’s commitment to improving mobility and inclusivity for all its citizens.