The layout of cross-border infrastructure in Central Asia continues to advance, and Kyrgyzstan is stepping up efforts to raise external funds to promote the construction of the Barekhi to Markmar railway. After the completion of this line, it will connect with the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Railway and open up a north-south land transportation channel in the country.

Accelerate project fundraising

According to local media reports, Kyrgyzstan is seeking approximately $1 billion in external investment to advance the construction of the Barekhi Makmar railway. President Zaparov stated that relying on domestic funding, the project is expected to be completed by 2035-2037, and the introduction of foreign investment is expected to be completed earlier than 2032-2035, striving to be put into operation at the same time as the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Railway.

The route passes through multiple tunnels and bridges, making construction difficult and facing significant financial pressure. The first phase of the project, from Barecki to Kochikol, was opened on July 25, 2026, with a total length of about 63 kilometers and a construction cost of about 64 million US dollars. It was completed with domestic funds, and feasibility studies are currently being conducted for the subsequent sections.

Connecting cross-border trunk lines

The railway starts from Barerki on the west side of Lake Issyk Kul and extends southward to Markmar, which is the interchange station of the Central Jilin Uzbekistan Railway. After the completion of the project, the two railways will be connected, helping Kyrgyzstan access the cross-border railway network, enhancing regional transit transportation capacity, and activating the potential for inland economic and trade circulation in Central Asia.Editor/Min Jing