TASHKENT — The transportation ministries of Central Asian states are grappling with financial uncertainties surrounding the ambitious China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. A clear funding source for the project, with an estimated cost of $5-7 billion, is yet to be determined.

According to 24.kg News Agency, the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, while trade flow from China predominantly transits through Kazakhstan, efforts are underway to enhance the route through Kyrgyzstan. Improved conditions at the Irkeshtam border post and facilitation of vehicle movement through Kyrgyzstan are developments aimed at streamlining cargo transit to Andijan and the Uzbek border.

Makhkamov noted a significant increase in cargo transport along this corridor, with a 7.5-fold growth. Tripartite feasibility studies have been conducted, and negotiations are ongoing to decide on the construction entity, with an ambition to commence work in 2024. However, the multinational aspect of the project poses challenges unlike domestic construction efforts.

The initiative, which has been in negotiation since 2017, saw concrete discussions with Chinese representatives in 2019. Chinese experts have offered suggestions on the proposed railway’s path. Despite progress on feasibility studies by the three nations involved, the critical question of who will finance the massive infrastructure project remains unresolved.