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Transport Trolleybuses Dismantling

Naryn Becomes Latest Kyrgyz City to Dismantle Trolleybus System

A year after trolleybus lines in Naryn were damaged, local authorities have decided to permanently abandon this mode of transportation, replacing it with buses. Efforts to restore the lines proved unsuccessful, even after six trolleybuses were transferred from Bishkek to Naryn. Naryn’s city council has now voted to completely dismantle the trolleybus system, following the precedent set by Bishkek, which also removed its trolleybus lines. Lawmakers cited the deteriorating condition of Naryn’s trolleybus infrastructure and high maintenance costs as the primary reasons for their decision. Financial and Logistical Challenges After Bishkek replaced its trolleybuses with buses, most of its fleet was transferred to Osh, while six trolleybuses were sent to Naryn. Some of these vehicles remain in storage on a military base. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters in southeastern Kyrgyzstan, Naryn’s trolleybus system was once considered a point of pride and a tourist attraction. However, the city now lacks the financial resources to repair the trolleybus infrastructure. According to city officials, the trolleybuses received from Bishkek were already in poor condition, requiring spare parts from Russia, which would entail significant financial costs. The Naryn city administration estimates that at least KGS 1 billion ($12 million) would be needed just to restore the damaged trolleybus lines. Shift to Alternative Transportation Currently, private taxis are the primary means of public transportation in Naryn. These taxis operate informally, picking up passengers at bus stops and following fixed routes for a small fare. Last summer, the Naryn mayor’s office attempted to modernize the city’s transport system by purchasing five electric buses. Following Naryn’s decision, Osh will now be the only city in Kyrgyzstan that still operates a trolleybus system.

Agreement Economic Cooperation Trade Transport Culture

Uzbekistan and Pakistan Agree to Increase Trade Volume by $2 Billion

Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to expand trade, transport, and cultural cooperation, following talks between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tashkent on February 26. During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral relationship. In 2024, trade volume between the two countries exceeded $400 million, and the number of joint ventures reached 130. Additionally, direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore have been resumed. The two sides discussed plans to boost trade to $2 billion and simplify customs procedures under a recently adopted roadmap. Key areas of cooperation include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, and textiles. Transport connectivity was a major focus of the discussions. Freight traffic through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor has increased fivefold in recent years, and the two countries agreed to establish a joint transport and logistics company. They also pledged to advance the Trans-Afghanistan railway project, which aims to enhance regional trade routes. The two governments also committed to expanding cultural and educational exchanges. Agreements were reached on mutual cultural weeks, tourism development, and cooperation in science, technology, youth policy, and security. To strengthen long-term cooperation, Uzbekistan and Pakistan will establish a High Council for Strategic Partnership, with its first meeting scheduled for next year.

Car drivers Idioten Test Traffic offenders Road Transport

Kazakhstan Proposes “Idioten Test” for Repeat Traffic Offenders

Kazakhstan may introduce a special psychophysiological test for repeat traffic offenders, inspired by a practice used in Germany. Senate Deputy Marat Kozhayev has proposed that motorists who repeatedly commit the same traffic violations be subjected to such a test, which could result in the revocation of their driver's licenses. German "Idioten Test" as a Model for Kazakhstan Speaking at a roundtable on road safety, Kozhayev, who has an extensive background in law enforcement, suggested adopting stricter policies for repeat offenders. “In Germany, there is a so-called 'Idioten Test,' which drivers must undergo after committing three identical traffic offenses. This test is a serious challenge,” Kozhayev said. He believes a similar system in Kazakhstan could deter habitual violators. Proposal to End Fine Discounts for Frequent Offenders Kozhayev also advocated for the abolition of the 50% discount on traffic fines for drivers with more than ten recorded violations. Currently, Kazakhstan allows fines to be paid at a 50% discount if settled within a week of issuance. However, Kozhayev pointed out that some drivers accumulate up to 300 violations per year. He cited official statistics from 2024, revealing that: 162,000 drivers committed between 10 and 100 violations. 500 drivers committed between 100 and 300 violations. “These serial violators should not benefit from fine reductions,” Kozhayev emphasized. “If a driver wants to stand out on the road, let them bear full responsibility for their actions. Why should we continue forgiving violations and offering discounts?” He believes that drivers with such an extensive history of infractions should have their licenses revoked altogether. Debate Over Drunk Driving Penalties Kozhayev also opposes any reduction in penalties for drunk driving, engaging in an indirect debate with Mazhilis Deputy Nikolai Arsyutin. Arsyutin had recently argued that Kazakhstan’s seven-year license revocation policy for drunk driving was too harsh, particularly in cases where no accident occurred, and the alcohol level was minimal. He also warned that harsh penalties create opportunities for police abuse, citing numerous citizen complaints about the objectivity of intoxication tests. “There are concerns about the accuracy of alcohol and drug tests,” Arsyutin said, calling for standardized testing procedures. More Than 200,000 Licenses Revoked Since 2022 According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 200,000 drivers in Kazakhstan have had their licenses revoked since the stricter Code of Administrative Offenses was introduced in 2022. Arsyutin argues that most countries take a more flexible approach, adjusting penalties based on the degree of intoxication and the circumstances surrounding the offense. This, he claims, would help reduce both the social backlash and corruption risks. Arsyutin has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to conduct a thorough review and propose unified rules for determining intoxication levels. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan continues to see a steady rise in vehicle ownership, with the country setting a record for new car sales in 2024.

Education Transport Tourism Trade Water Economic Cooperation

Kazakh and Kyrgyz Prime Ministers Discuss Trade, Transport, and Water Cooperation

On February 24, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held talks in Astana with Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. The visit marked Kasymaliyev’s first official foreign trip since his appointment as Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister in December last year. Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation The discussions covered trade, transit, water and energy cooperation, investment, and cultural ties, according to the Kazakh government’s press service. Bektenov noted that bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion last year, underscoring Kazakhstan’s role as one of Kyrgyzstan’s key trading partners. Kasymaliyev reaffirmed both governments' commitment to raising trade volume to $3 billion by 2030, a goal set by the presidents of both countries. He also revealed that Kazakhstani companies invested nearly $49 million in Kyrgyzstan’s economy in the first nine months of 2024. New Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex Kasymaliyev emphasized the importance of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, which aims to streamline cargo transportation and enhance trade efficiency. The complex, located near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek road checkpoints, will be one of the largest cargo hubs in Central Asia, facilitating consolidation, processing, and distribution of goods. Land plots have already been allocated, and the Alatau industrial zone has been established in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region to support the project. Energy Cooperation and Food Security Kasymaliyev highlighted the potential duty-free supply of Kazakh oil to Kyrgyzstan, which would bolster Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers. Additionally, both sides discussed building a trade and logistics warehouse in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to store and distribute fruits and vegetables, ensuring stable fresh produce supplies and improving food security. Kasymaliyev stressed that these initiatives would create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen economic cooperation. Improving Transport and Border Infrastructure In the transit and transport sector, both governments focused on modernizing automobile checkpoints to boost cargo capacity at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Water Cooperation Water resource management was another key topic, particularly irrigation water supplies from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan for the upcoming growing season. Discussions centered on the Shu (Chu) and Talas rivers, which are crucial for agriculture in both countries. Tourism and Education The talks also explored expanding cross-border tourism, including: Developing eco-routes Improving active tourism infrastructure Attracting investment in the hotel industry Additionally, the two leaders discussed preparations for opening branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan to enhance educational cooperation. The meeting underscored Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening economic, energy, and infrastructure ties, while also addressing key water and environmental concerns. The successful implementation of these initiatives will boost regional integration and economic growth for both nations.

Agreement Hairatan-Herat Railway Taliban Uzbekistan Transport

Uzbekistan and Taliban Agree on Hairatan-Herat Railway Project

Taliban Deputy Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar announced that construction on the planned Hairatan-Herat railway would begin within 10 days of a feasibility study, which Uzbekistan will finance. He also stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to reduce the cost of a power transmission line project to Afghanistan by $30 million, lowering the total to $222 million, Amu TV reports. The announcement followed Baradar’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan. The railway project aims to extend the existing line from Hairatan, a key trade hub on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border, through Mazar-e-Sharif and on to Herat. The first phase, a 75-kilometer section from Hairatan to Mazar-e-Sharif, was completed in 2010 with funding from the Asian Development Bank. The planned extension is expected to enhance trade links between Central Asia and the Middle East. During the visit, Baradar and his delegation met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss trade, energy, aviation, and infrastructure. Baradar stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan during the summer and reduce tariffs. Taliban Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi added that discussions also covered trade and banking cooperation, as well as a potential railway extension from Hairatan to Spin Boldak. Additionally, Uzbekistan will lift restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports and establish four trade centers in major cities across both countries. Aripov visited Kabul last August for talks focused on boosting trade, strengthening energy cooperation, and collaborating on copper, iron, oil, and gas projects. Both sides agreed that trade between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan could reach $1 billion in 2024 and expand to $3 billion in the near future.

Transport Autopilot Systems Energy Infrastructure Electric Vehicles

Kazakhstan Fears Electric Cars Will Strain Energy Infrastructure

Kazakhstani lawmaker Nauryz Saylaubai has raised concerns over the country’s ability to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs), citing infrastructure challenges and regulatory gaps. In a request to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) member called for urgent measures to address these issues. Growing Number of Electric Vehicles According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the share of electric-powered vehicles in Kazakhstan remains relatively small. As of February 1, 2025, the country had 12,655 registered electric cars, 350 electric trucks, and 189 electric buses. In contrast, there were 4.45 million gasoline-powered cars, 91,100 diesel-powered vehicles, 10,100 gas-powered cars, and 400,300 hybrid vehicles running on a mix of gasoline, gas, and electricity. Despite the low overall share, EV adoption has been accelerating. A year ago, on February 1, 2024, Kazakhstan had only 8,366 electric cars, 277 electric trucks, and 38 electric buses. This represents a 25% increase in electric cars and a fivefold rise in electric buses over the past year. Energy Infrastructure Concerns The rapid growth of EVs has raised concerns among lawmakers about the ability of Kazakhstan’s aging power grid to handle the additional demand. "It is well known that an increase in the number of electric vehicles puts additional pressure on power grids. Given that our grid infrastructure is already outdated, won't this lead to future accidents? What measures are being taken to address this issue?" Saylaubai asked. Kazakhstan’s EV market is expected to keep expanding, as electric vehicles are exempt from the country's scrappage tax and import registration fees, making them approximately 15% cheaper than conventional cars. Charging Infrastructure and Service Gaps Saylaubai also highlighted the country’s insufficient charging infrastructure. "According to international standards, the optimal ratio of electric vehicles to public charging stations should be 10 to 1. In Kazakhstan today, there is just one charging station for every 43 electric cars," the lawmaker noted. State-owned road infrastructure operator KazAutoZhol had planned to install 40 new charging stations along intercity highways in 2024, but by the end of last year, only 23 had been completed. Another major issue is the lack of service centers for EV repairs and maintenance, particularly in rural regions. Owners outside major cities struggle to find specialists and spare parts, while logistical challenges further complicate EV accessibility in remote areas. Saylaubai urged the government to develop a nationwide network of service stations and ensure the availability of spare parts. Legal Uncertainty Over Autopilot Systems The lawmaker also pointed to regulatory gaps regarding the use of autopilot features in electric vehicles. "The vast majority of electric cars are equipped with autopilot functions, but it remains unclear whether drivers are legally allowed to activate them within city limits or who would be held responsible in the event of an accident," he said. Additionally, he warned that electric cars can reach high speeds within seconds, potentially posing risks to road safety. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan’s car market set a new record for...