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roads

Kazakhstan Develops Technology to “Revive” Worn Asphalt

Scientists at the Kazakh Road Research Institute (KazdorNII) are developing a technology that restores worn asphalt for reuse in highway repair and construction. According to the institute, the project involves the creation of an innovative restorative compound. Experts say that the regeneration process could significantly reduce construction waste, lower energy consumption, and cut CO₂ emissions during asphalt production. This model supports more sustainable road construction by giving materials a “second life.” “We are developing solutions that allow existing resources to be restored instead of consuming new ones. This will not only reduce the burden on the environment but also make the road industry more efficient and technologically advanced,” said Saltanat Ashimova, head of the department of road construction materials and new technologies at the institute. The initiative is part of a grant awarded through a competition for scientific and technical projects for 2025-2027. The research is focused on integrating green technologies into road construction. The institute expects the new compound to be environmentally friendly, produced domestically, and adapted to Kazakhstan’s climate and road conditions. Its use is expected to improve road surface durability and quality, while supporting the country’s shift toward a sustainable economy. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, severe road surface deformations were recorded across inter-city highways in Kazakhstan this summer amid extreme heat.

Trade

Kyrgyzstan Begins Building Strategic Highway to China’s Xinjiang

Kyrgyzstan has begun construction on the Barskoon-Bedel highway, a key section of the future Barskoon-Uchturfan-Aksu corridor that will link the Issyk-Kul region with China’s Aksu prefecture in Xinjiang via the Bedel Pass. The new road is expected to shorten the distance between Aksu and Kyrgyzstan by 500 kilometers, saving at least 12 hours of travel time for freight carriers. Route and Infrastructure The highway will cross the Barskoon and Soek passes, the Kara-Sai valley, and the Ashuu-Suu pass. To ensure year-round use, the project includes construction of a 5.5 km tunnel under the Soek pass and a 3.8 km tunnel beneath the Ashuu-Suu pass, both areas prone to heavy winter closures. Timeline and Contractor Construction is being carried out by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The main roadworks are scheduled for completion in September 2029, with full commissioning of the highway and supporting facilities expected by September 2030. The Bedel checkpoint, first opened under a simplified regime in September 2024, lies in a remote mountain zone roughly equidistant from Karakol in Kyrgyzstan and Aksu in China. Its full-scale development with international-standard infrastructure is slated for completion by 2027. Trade and Regional Connectivity Once finished, the Barskoon-Bedel corridor will become Kyrgyzstan’s third road crossing with China, alongside the Irkeshtam (Osh region) and Torugart (Naryn region) passes. Unlike the older routes, which are frequently closed during winter, the new corridor is designed to provide a more reliable and time-efficient link. The project is expected to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s role as a transit hub for Chinese goods heading to third-country markets. Bilateral trade between Kyrgyzstan and China reached $23 billion in 2024, an eightfold increase in recent years. Chinese Support Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jiangping said the new highway is part of a wider set of strategic projects advancing between the two countries, aimed at accelerating cargo flows and expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Rural development

AIIB and Uzbekistan Finalize $71.1 Million Loan for Climate-Resilient Rural Roads

Uzbekistan and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have concluded a $71.1 million loan agreement to upgrade rural roads in the Khorezm and Karakalpakstan regions. The deal was finalized during the AIIB’s 10th Annual Meeting in Beijing. The loan will finance the first phase of the Karakalpakstan and Khorezm Local Roads Network Reconstruction Project, which aims to modernize rural road infrastructure to improve climate resilience and community accessibility. The project is expected to facilitate better access to markets and essential public services for rural populations. The total cost of the project is projected at $173.4 million, with a second loan tranche planned to cover the remaining amount. The initial phase will prioritize road improvements in Khorezm, while the second tranche will address road upgrades in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. According to the AIIB, a phased approach will allow Uzbekistan to better manage its fiscal resources and enhance project planning and execution. This method also enables the bank to provide tailored technical assistance and integrate lessons learned from earlier phases into subsequent work. This initiative builds on a broader partnership between Uzbekistan and the AIIB. In 2024, the bank approved a $250 million program to support the country's transition to a greener economy. That package includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reform climate-related policies, and promote sustainable land and water management, as well as low-carbon transportation and energy solutions. The AIIB also backs Uzbekistan’s efforts to boost energy efficiency, expand renewable energy capacity, promote e-mobility, and encourage state-owned enterprises to adopt climate risk reporting practices. The rural roads project aligns with Uzbekistan’s wider development agenda, which includes modernizing infrastructure, revitalizing underserved regions, and fostering long-term sustainability.

Infrastructure

ADB Finances 90% of Road Projects in Tajikistan’s Regions

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has financed the construction and reconstruction of 90% of all roads in Tajikistan outside the capital, Dushanbe. This was announced by Evgeny Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, during the 58th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors in Milan. Tajikistan’s Largest Transport Infrastructure Investor According to Zhukov, Tajikistan has long been a key partner for the ADB. Since the start of cooperation, the bank has invested approximately $2.7 billion in the country, with the majority of funds directed toward public sector development. “If you travel outside Dushanbe, there is a 90% chance the roads you are on were built or modernized with ADB support. This confirms the effectiveness of our investments,” Zhukov stated. Laziza Sabirova, Head of Regional Cooperation and Integration at the ADB’s Central and West Asia Department, emphasized the bank’s commitment to quality control. An independent unit evaluates whether project outcomes align with initial objectives and ensures efficient use of funds. “These specialists assess each project’s relevance and effectiveness, checking if goals were achieved, whether there was overspending, and evaluating construction quality. Post-completion, they also analyze facility use, maintenance, and any further funding needs,” Sabirova explained. Zhukov also highlighted the ADB’s intent to strengthen cooperation with other international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. One of the largest upcoming joint initiatives will involve funding the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. The ADB plans to allocate up to $500 million for this project in the coming years. Future Development Plans Earlier announcements indicated that the ADB is planning around 20 major projects in Tajikistan between 2025 and 2029. These initiatives span agriculture, social services, urban development, and energy. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on improving transport infrastructure to enhance domestic logistics and boost economic ties with neighboring countries. Currently, the ADB’s portfolio in Tajikistan includes 19 ongoing public investment projects valued at about $1 billion. These cover key sectors such as energy, healthcare, water supply, irrigation, environmental protection, and tourism. In support of these efforts, the ADB has also provided 12 technical assistance grants totaling $11.2 million. Supporting Economic Stability Ko Sakamoto, the ADB’s permanent representative in Tajikistan, affirmed the bank’s ongoing partnership with the government to reinforce economic stability and improve living standards. “Our collaboration with local partners is already producing tangible results, and we are confident that upcoming projects will contribute to sustainable development,” Sakamoto said. Tajikistan remains one of the largest recipients of ADB grants in Central Asia. Since the beginning of their partnership in 1998, the ADB has delivered significant financial support for vital infrastructure projects, helping lay the groundwork for long-term economic progress.

Transport

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Plan Faster Routes from Almaty to Issyk-Kul

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have taken another step toward implementing a long-discussed infrastructure project: the construction of an alternative highway linking Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, to Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s top tourist destination. On March 28, Almaty hosted the sixth meeting of the Kyrgyz-Kazakh Working Group on Transport and Infrastructure Development, held under the framework of the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor Project, with support from the Asian Development Bank. Participants agreed on the key parameters for a feasibility study and committed to accelerating the implementation of the new road. [caption id="attachment_30342" align="aligncenter" width="740"] @AKIPress/The existing road from Almaty to Issyk-Kul and three possible alternative routes[/caption] Lake Issyk-Kul remains a major draw for tourists from across the region and is especially popular with residents of Almaty seeking weekend or summer getaways. Although the two locations are only 80 kilometers apart in a straight line, they are separated by mountain ranges. The existing route detours through Bishkek, extending the distance to more than 460 kilometers and turning what could be a short trip into an 8-hour drive to Cholpon-Ata, the largest resort town on the lake’s northern shore. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan first signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of an alternative route in 2007, but progress has since stalled. The proposed new highway would bypass Bishkek, passing through the town of Uzynagash, west of Almaty, and the town of Kemin, located approximately 100 kilometers east of Bishkek, before continuing to Cholpon-Ata. This revised route would reduce the total distance to around 260 kilometers, significantly shortening travel time.

Infrastructure Development

Strategic Bypass Route Opens in Southern Kyrgyzstan

On December 6, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated a new bypass road around Uzgen, a historic city located 56 kilometers northeast of Osh, the largest city in southern Kyrgyzstan. The bypass is designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Uzgen by redirecting vehicles away from the city center. This development is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and lower the risk of accidents on the former main route through the city. Construction of the bypass began in January 2024. The project includes two significant bridges: a 197-meter-long bridge spanning the Kara-Darya River and a 77-meter-long bridge over the Jazy River. To address the needs of residents, the project also features underground crossings for pedestrians and livestock and access roads connecting nearby villages. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Japarov emphasized that the Uzgen bypass is Kyrgyzstan’s first infrastructure project completed through a public-private partnership model. He reiterated the government’s dedication to expanding the country’s road network to enhance connectivity and boost logistics capabilities. Japarov also outlined plans for additional road projects, including a proposed 150-kilometer route linking Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, to Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul. This new route would significantly shorten the current travel distance, providing a faster and more efficient connection between the two destinations. While acknowledging the long-term nature of infrastructure investments, Japarov highlighted their critical importance for national and international development. He encouraged private investors, particularly domestic ones, to participate in upcoming road construction projects. If sufficient local investment is not secured, the government plans to seek foreign partnerships. In his closing remarks, Japarov likened road infrastructure to the "circulatory system" of the state, underlining its fundamental role in driving economic growth. He noted that improved roads enhance regional logistics, foster trade, and promote tourism, all of which are vital for Kyrgyzstan’s development.