The joint working group of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan has approved the route of an alternative road from Almaty to Issyk-Kul. Sanzharbek Bolotov, the director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies said, Economist.kg reports.
The road construction project was approved through the towns of Uzynagash and Kemin to Cholpon-Ata. The road is planned to pass through the New Kastek pass.
The length of the route will be 260 km (currently, the entire distance is 460 km). It is expected to construct a 90 km road. The estimated cost of construction is $140-150 million. Previously, different amounts were mentioned in the project documents, around $94 million with asphalt coverage.
The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC) is a pilot project under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program.
The new route could prove advantageous for tourists looking to relax in Issyk-Kul's resorts. Currently, the journey from Almaty to Cholpon-Ata takes at least 8 hours.
Issyk-Kul lake is most attractive spot in the region and tourists visited Issyk-Kul summer time as well as winter time.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 11, 2023