Kyrgyz state railway KTJ and the Eurasian Development Bank EABR have signed an agreement to finance a preliminary study for the construction of a 79 km railway line from Balykchi to Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The total cost of the project is estimated at around EUR 432 million (USD 500 million). The preliminary study will be financed by an EABR grant of around EUR 237,000. The aim of the new line is to improve tourist connections, international logistics and transport infrastructure in the region. The preliminary study includes an analysis of various implementation options, the development of a financial model and further technical investigations. The planned railway line will also connect Issyk-Kul International Airport and other resorts on the northern shore. In the long term, KTJ is planning to circle the lake with connections to Bokonbaevo and Karakol on the southern shore.
