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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).

Transport

Kazakhstan Donates Five Locomotives to Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan has donated five locomotives to Kyrgyzstan as part of ongoing cooperation in transport infrastructure, the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) announced. Two shunting locomotives and three mainline locomotives were transferred free of charge to Kyrgyz Temir Jolu, Kyrgyzstan’s national railway company. The donation was facilitated by KazAID, which aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s regional ties through cooperation in transport, energy, and infrastructure. “This step demonstrates the continued successful implementation of official assistance, contributing to the development and strengthening of fraternal relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan,” said KazAID Chairman Arken Arystanov. The locomotives are expected to significantly enhance freight transportation and maneuverability on Kyrgyzstan’s railways, supporting the country’s economic growth and regional connectivity. Kyrgyzstan’s Railway Modernization Efforts Kyrgyzstan has recently taken key steps to modernize its railway infrastructure and expand regional transport links. Trans-Eurasian Route Project: In February 2025, Kyrgyzstan signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with U.S.-based consortium All American Rail Group Global Infrastructure Partner LLC for the construction of a $3 billion railway. The new east-west line will traverse Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain, connecting Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region with Makmal in Jalal-Abad. China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway: In December 2024, construction officially began on this 523-kilometer railway, designed to serve as a key east- west trade corridor. The project will link China, Central Asia, the Middle East (including Turkey, and the European Union.) Kazakhstan’s locomotive donation aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to enhance regional transport infrastructure, strengthening economic ties and facilitating greater trade opportunities.

Transport

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.

Economic Cooperation

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.

Road

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.

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.