Construction of the new 523 km railway link between China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, which is estimated to cost €7.4 billion (US$ 8 billion), is set to begin in 2024. The three countries have founded a joint venture (JV) to realise the project. The JV will be responsible for the design, construction, and operation of the line before it is transferred to the ownership of the three states at a later date. Preparations for construction have been finalised in all three countries. An update of the feasibility study is currently taking place after Chinese engineers completed field studies in December 2023. The new line will shorten the connection between China and Europe by 900 km and reduce the transit time for freight between these regions by eight days by bypassing the Trans-Siberian Railway through Russia.
