EDB Provides Funding for Issyk-Kul Railway Feasibility Study

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will allocate a USD 275,000 grant from its technical assistance fund to prepare a preliminary feasibility study for the proposed Balykchy-Cholpon-Ata railway in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Region.

The agreement was signed at the Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum by Kyrgyz Temir Zholu and the EDB. The project, valued at around USD 500 million, aims to improve rail connectivity for both passengers and freight, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

According to the EDB, the study will assess technical and financial options, define the optimal construction scenario and build a project model for further financing. The railway aims to link the region’s resorts with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, boost tourist and cargo flows and connect to Tamchy airport.