CKU Railway construction advances amid financing, geopolitical hurdles
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Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is underway, with 2,000 Kyrgyz workers among 5,000 on site. The $4.7 billion project faces challenges including Sinophobic sentiment, debt trap risks, and disagreements over track gauge.
Project Scale and Progress
The 530 km railway from Kashgar to Andijan includes 304 km through Kyrgyzstan's Tien Shan mountains, with 50 bridges and 29 tunnels. Excavation is ongoing in all tunnels, including three major ones over 12 km each. Earthworks have started on some sections, with 192 km of temporary roads built and 259 km of power lines installed.
Financing and Ownership
A joint project company holds China at 51%, Kyrgyzstan 24.5%, and Uzbekistan 24.5%. China lends $2.35 billion for the Kyrgyz section, with Kyrgyzstan contributing $700 million, half from its budget and half via a $305 million Chinese loan over 25 years. Officials aim to complete 5% of the railway by end-2026.
Remaining Challenges
Sinophobic sentiments among some opposition groups, debt trap concerns, and disagreements over track gauge size persist. Security and environmental issues, along with hesitation over dependence on regional powers, also complicate the project. A final construction agreement was signed in June 2024 after over 20 years of discussions.
What's Next
Construction is set to continue through 2026, with officials targeting 5% completion by year-end. It remains unclear whether political and financial hurdles will delay the timeline or increase costs.
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CKU Railway construction advances amid financing, geopolitical hurdles
