EDB Commitment of $200,000
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has pledged $200,000 for the pre-feasibility study for the proposed Bishkek-Kuntuu-Belogorka-Suusamyr Highway, which will comprise a strategic alternative corridor linking the capital of Kyrgyzstan with its southern and western parts. An agreement for technical assistance was signed on December 5 between the EDB and the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers.
It is expected that the new highway would deliver far-reaching economic, social, and strategic benefits in terms of improvement to transport infrastructure unlocking access to mineral resources as well as generating jobs during both construction and operation.
This project is highly supported by an extensive investment initiative within a wider Eurasian framework by which flows of traffic can be mobilized by the Eurasian Transport Framework, said Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board. Under this pavement, connectivity will be established further among Kyrgyzstan’s economic hubs while boosting the potential for transit through the country and attracting regional interest in road transportation through Kyrgyzstan, Podguzov said.
Also read: 40 People’s Bus Service stops to be completed in 2 months
Economic and Social Impact
Bekzhan Rysmendeev, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan announced that the new road would serve the purpose of relieving the congestion caused by the intensive traffic flow across the already strained Bishkek-Osh. This location has daily traffic of between 5,000 and 18,000 vehicles. “Distance of travel will thus be minimized by 164 kilometers, and access will be provided to areas of mining operations. Actual containment will be achieved, while economics will improve, and tourism and trade will also be promoted,” said Rysmendeev.
The project is expected to play a key role in the ED mission to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development across Eurasia. The initiative is part of a master plan that the multilateral bank with member states such as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan has to integrate and modernize infrastructure within the region.