The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a sovereign-guaranteed loan of $400 million to KazAvtoZhol National Company JSC for the construction of a new road in southern Kazakhstan. The project aims to strengthen regional connectivity, improve transport efficiency, facilitate cross-border trade, and enhance road safety. By developing the Saryagash Bypass Road, Kazakhstan is expected to bolster its trade and transport links within the region and with external markets in East Asia and Western Europe, positioning itself as a key transit hub. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the economic development of the Turkistan region by providing better access to larger markets, reducing congestion, creating employment opportunities, and promoting tourism.
The project involves designing and constructing a 102-kilometer highway that bypasses Saryagash city in the Turkistan region. Equipped with a smart traffic management system, the road will redirect transit traffic from urban areas, reducing congestion, shortening travel times, and improving overall mobility. This sustainable connectivity approach ensures that urban areas experience less traffic while enhancing transport efficiency across the region.
The highway will also improve linkages between the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridors 3 and 6, which are strategic trade routes connecting Kazakhstan with neighboring countries. The CAREC Program, supported by ADB, promotes sustainable development and regional economic growth through coordinated infrastructure and trade initiatives.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project will enhance KazAvtoZhol’s institutional capacity in road safety, performance-based maintenance, climate resilience, and gender inclusion. As Kazakhstan’s national highway operator, KazAvtoZhol oversees the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of highways of national and international significance. Strengthening its capacity will support long-term road management and safety standards.
Since joining ADB in 1994, Kazakhstan has received over $7.5 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance to support development across key sectors including public sector management, finance, energy, and transport. The ADB continues to leverage innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, transforming lives and building quality infrastructure while safeguarding the environment.
Related Posts
