First tunnel of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway completed
On Saturday, the project developer announced the completion of the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, marking an important milestone in the development of the cross-border route.
When the first tunnel breaks through rock, it is not just an engineering success — it is a signal that the dream of connecting countries is becoming a reality. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, conceived as part of the 21st-century Silk Road, after years of discussions and planning, is beginning to take physical shape. Every metre of tunnel brings Central Asia closer to new markets, and China to closer integration with its neighbours. This is not just a construction site but a symbol of cooperation, where three countries find common ground and a common goal.
According to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company, a joint venture established by enterprises authorised by the governments of the three countries, the 209.6-metre Kosh Dobo North No. 2 tunnel is the first tunnel to be excavated on the Kyrgyz section. Construction began in June 2025. Since then, work has started on 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections, as well as 20 railway stations.
The railway is a landmark project of cooperation between China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan under the Belt and Road Initiative. Upon completion, it will provide a new rail link between China and Central Asia, running from Kashgar in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, through the Kyrgyz border town of Jalal-Abad, to the Uzbek city of Andijan in the east. The total length of the railway will exceed 500 kilometres, including 304.84 kilometres in Kyrgyzstan.
The project is of strategic importance for the entire region. The new railway will become the shortest overland route from China to Central Asia and onwards to the Middle East and Europe, reducing travel time and logistics costs. For Kyrgyzstan, which is landlocked, this is particularly important — the railway will open access to global markets, create jobs and attract investment.
China, in turn, will strengthen its position in the region by diversifying transport corridors and reducing dependence on traditional routes. Uzbekistan will also gain access to new trade flows. The completion of the first tunnel is just the beginning of a large-scale effort that will take years, but it already offers hope for economic growth in Central Asia.
As CCTV+ reports, the completion of the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section is an important step in implementing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Central Asia. In the coming years, the railway will connect three countries, opening new opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange. This project is not just a construction site but a bridge between peoples that will serve the region's development for decades to come.
