Kyrgyzstan Opens New Route to China as Cargo Traffic Surges

Amid booming trade and growing cargo flows between Kyrgyzstan and China, the country’s two main corridors - the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints - have become heavily overloaded.

To ease pressure and expand connectivity, Kyrgyzstan has decided to launch a third transport route through the Bedel Pass, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Beknazar Bazaraliev announced at the CAREC Business Forum that the Kyrgyz section of the new road will stretch about 150 kilometers. Construction of the technological road was completed last year, and a contractor agreement was signed in 2024. Work is already underway, including two major tunnels measuring 10-11 kilometers, with excavation having started on September 15. The entire project is scheduled for completion by August 2029.

The new route is set to become the shortest path from China to Issyk-Kul, creating major advantages for both trade and tourism. Plans include two modern tourist hubs equipped with restaurants, hotels, fuel stations, and EV charging points.

Kyrgyz authorities are also negotiating with partners to build state-of-the-art campgrounds along the corridor under public-private partnership models, aiming to turn the route into a more comfortable and attractive option for travelers.