ALMATY: The heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries have approved the expansion of the list of priority integration infrastructure projects in transport to bolster regional connectivity and infrastructure development. This decision was made during the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting held in Almaty on 2nd February, as reported by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).
The priority integration infrastructure projects outlined in this expansion encompass large-scale initiatives aimed at modernizing and constructing road and railway communication routes. The primary focus is on advancing the development of Eurasian transport corridors and identifying promising logistics routes. The overarching goal is to enhance transport connectivity among EAEU member states, facilitate transit operations, and boost the efficiency of import-export transportation.
Kazakhstan has put forth projects integral to the development of the eastern International North-South Transport Corridor. These initiatives involve the modernization of the railway infrastructure along the Russia-Central Asia corridor and the introduction of new railway lines.
Transport Connectivity Projects
Key projects include the modernization of existing railway sections such as Orsk-Kandyagash-Makat-Beyneu-Bolashak, Iletsk-1-Aktobe, Chelyabinsk-Tobol-Nikel’tau, and Aksarayskaya-Makat, Shalkar-Beyneu-Mangystau, all vital components of the North-South corridor. Additionally, plans encompass the construction of the Darbaza-Maktaaral railroad and the addition of second railroad tracks on the Kazaly-Arys section, crucial to the Russia-Central Asia corridor.
Kyrgyzstan has contributed two projects to the expansion, focusing on the reconstruction of the bypass road of Bishkek city and the construction of a railroad from Balykchy to Jalal-Abad, connecting the northern and southern railway infrastructure of the country. These projects are envisioned to unify Kyrgyzstan’s internal railway network and enhance transit route capacity.
According to Arzybek Kozhoshev, a member of the Board (Minister) for Energy and Infrastructure of the EEC, these projects are expected to make transit more efficient and significantly reduce costs for cargo owners traversing EAEU countries. He emphasized that this presents an opportunity for the region to become a vital link between the markets of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
