ADB approves loan for road project in Kazakhstan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $291.49 million local currency loan for the reconstruction of 208 kilometres of roads in central Kazakhstan by “KazAvtoZhol” National Company.

The project aims to enhance domestic and regional connectivity, road safety, and boost national and international trade, according to a statement published by the ADB on Tuesday.

The ADB project will improve the two-lane highway from Kyzylorda to Zhezkazgan, making it more resilient to climate and reducing travel time from four to two hours, the statement added.

“By improving the Kyzylorda–Zhezkazgan corridor, we are addressing critical infrastructure constraints that hinder Kazakhstan’s economic growth and balanced regional economic development,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia.

The road is aimed to plays a key role in enhancing the country’s strategic position and promote regional and global connectivity. Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, has the potential to serve as a link between Asia and Europe.

However, challenges such as transport inefficiencies and high costs hinder its full potential. The country also faces a high traffic fatality rate, with 12.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.

To address these issues, the project includes safety measures like rumble strips, improved pedestrian crossings, and interchanges. These initiatives aim to reduce accidents and enhance road safety along the corridor.

Attribution: The Asian Development Bank report

Subediting: M. S. Salama