At the construction site of the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Railway in September, the Koshtbo North Tunnel No. 2 had just completed its completion work. The builders hung safety signs at the entrance of the tunnel, and the final section of the bridge deck construction of the Shaoerbulaksai River Grand Bridge in the distance was coming to an end. This landmark project, jointly promoted by the three heads of state, is gradually transforming from a long-term vision into a clear and visible physical route in the highlands of Asia and Europe.

Steady progress in tackling engineering challenges

As of August 2026, the footage of the Ulumbash No.1 Tunnel in Kyrgyzstan has exceeded 200 meters, the Koshtbeg North No.2 Tunnel has been completed on schedule, and the entire lower main structure of the Shaoerbulaksai River Grand Bridge has been completed. The 29 tunnels along the entire line face the four geological challenges of high altitude, high cold, high ground stress, and high seismic intensity, making construction much more difficult than ordinary international railway projects.

The route starts from Kashgar, Xinjiang, China and ends in Andijan, Uzbekistan, with a designed speed of 120 kilometers per hour and a construction period of 6 years. It is expected to be fully completed by 2031. After completion, the freight mileage from China to Europe and the Middle East will be shortened by about 900 kilometers, saving 7 to 8 days of transportation time throughout the journey.

Continuous release of regional value

The Kyrgyzstan section operates under the BOT model, with a joint venture project company responsible for construction and operation. It also includes small and beautiful livelihood projects such as rural road repairs, drinking water channel renovations, and vocational skills training bases. This railway will transform Kyrgyzstan from a landlocked country to a land linked country that connects Asia and Europe, fully activating the development potential of the southern mountainous areas.

It is not only a physical channel across mountains and valleys, but also a key link to deepen regional connectivity under the the Belt and Road framework, so that the trade vitality of the millennium Silk Road can be renewed on the rails of the new era.Editor/Cheng Liting