Kyrgyzstan considers construction of high-speed railway services

Kyrgyzstan is considering the construction of high-speed train services, a move aimed at significantly boosting economic development and improving transportation efficiency within the country. Azamat Sakiev, director general of the state enterprise Kyrgyz Temir Zholu, stated that the primary goal is to connect the nation's northern and southern regions.

Sakiev highlighted railways as the second most economically efficient mode of transport after maritime shipping, noting their role in reducing road congestion and enhancing safety. He expressed optimism about the possibility of train travel between Bishkek and Osh, envisioning a high-speed service that could reduce journey times to perhaps six to eight hours, pending feasibility studies.

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Logistics is the main driver of economic development. Railways are the second most economically efficient mode of transportation after maritime transport. They also help reduce the burden on roads and improve safety. I believe that soon we will be able to travel by train from Bishkek to Osh. We will definitely consider making it a high-speed service so that the journey between the two points can be completed, perhaps, within six to eight hours, depending on what the feasibility study shows.

This initiative follows the recent opening of the 63-kilometer Balykchy, Kochkor railway line in late July 2026. Sakiev described this line, and its planned extensions to Kara-Keche and Makmal, as a strategically vital project of national significance. Notably, Kyrgyzstan built this railway using its own resources, without foreign assistance, demonstrating its growing domestic capabilities.

"For the first time in 78 years, we began building railways in Kyrgyzstan using our own resources, without the involvement of foreign engineers, designers, investments or financial instruments," Sakiev remarked. He added, "We are now starting the feasibility study for the route to Kara-Keche (the second stage) and then the third stage to Makmal."

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For the first time in 78 years, we began building railways in Kyrgyzstan using our own resources, without the involvement of foreign engineers, designers, investments or financial instruments. There were many skeptics, but we proved that we are capable of building high-quality infrastructure. We are now starting the feasibility study for the route to Kara-Keche (the second stage) and then the third stage to Makmal.