Powering the Silk Rails: Three New Substations to Power China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway

In a major step towards the completion of Central Asia's most ambitious infrastructure project, three new high-voltage substations were inaugurated to power the future China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway. The ceremony was attended by Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Energy, Taalaibek Ibraev, during his working visit to the Naryn region.

 

These substations are critical to power the 523-kilometer cross-border railway, Kashgar (China) to Andijan (Uzbekistan) with Torugart, Makmal, and Jalal-Abad through Kyrgyzstan. CKU railway is a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project and is expected to cut delivery time between East Asia and Europe by up to one week, by-passing the traditional Trans-Siberian route.

 

The substations will ensure safe supply of power for construction and future operations, especially in the mountainous Kyrgyz segment, involving over 50 tunnels and 90 bridges. The railway will also augment regional trade, tourism, and economic integration in Central Asia.

 

Sources: AKIpress, Railway PRO, CAREC Program