Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Approve Parameters for Cross-Border Road Project to Issyk-Kul

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have approved the technical specifications for a new alternative highway connecting Almaty and Issyk-Kul, Orda.kz reports, citing the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport.

The project will mark the first cross-border public-private partnership (PPP) in the history of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), with a planned length of 260 kilometers. At a recent working group meeting in Almaty, both sides approved the terms of reference for the project.

The new route is expected to ease travel to the popular Issyk-Kul resort and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. It will follow a western route through Kazakhstan’s Uzynagash, Novy Kastek Pass, and Kemin, continuing to Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan.

A new electric bus line between Almaty and Bishkek is also planned — the first of its kind in the region.

The estimated cost of the western route is between $140 million and $150 million — nearly four times cheaper than a previously proposed direct route, which was projected to cost $586 million.

The road will be financed through a PPP model, with private investors contributing 20% and the remainder covered through a loan.

Cost-sharing between the countries is expected as follows:

• Kazakhstan: 59.4%
  
• Kyrgyzstan: 40.6%

The road is expected to operate from May to October and will have a capacity of 2,000–4,000 vehicles per day.

Once completed, the Almaty–Issyk-Kul journey will be shortened by 85 kilometers, with an estimated toll of just 2,500 tenge.

The project is seen as a milestone for regional integration, promoting tourism and boosting economic ties across Central Asia.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov