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China is now showing speed in increasing its connectivity through Central Asia. The work of the first tunnel in Kyrgyzstan under the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project has been completed. The question is, is this just a railway project or can it become a new way for China to reach West Asia in the future?

First tunnel completed, further work in progress..

According to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company, the No. 2 North Koshtobe Tunnel in the Kyrgyzstan section has been successfully completed. This is the first tunnel to be completed in this part. The length of this tunnel is 209.6 meters and maximum depth is 41 meters. It has been designed for single-track railways. According to the company, set standards of safety and quality were followed during construction and the work was completed within the stipulated time.

How big is the network?

The pace of the project can be gauged from the fact that work has started on 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections in the Kyrgyzstan section. One of these tunnels has been completed. Foundation work for 20 railway stations is also going on. Along with construction, the environment is also being taken care of. It has been planned to keep the railway line away from Cymailyu-Tash National Park and other sensitive areas. Culverts are also being built on the way for the movement of wildlife and local cattle herders.

China is taking local people along with it

This project also shows China’s efforts to avoid dissatisfaction at the local level and to integrate the local economy. According to the company, so far materials and equipment worth 10 billion som i.e. about $114 million have been purchased locally. The entire fuel used for the project is being taken from Kyrgyzstan. More than 60 percent of major construction materials including cement are also being purchased from local sources. Apart from this, more than 1,700 local machines have been taken on rent.

About Som 15.6 crore has been spent for the development of local areas. This includes village roads, water and electricity, telecommunication, medical and educational facilities.

Access to Iran?

The most important aspect of this entire project is its location. China is strengthening its rail connectivity in Central Asia through the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway. After this, the possibility of reaching Iran through Turkmenistan also arises. If this connectivity reaches Iran in future, then China will have the option to increase land connectivity with West Asia. In such a situation, there may be a possibility of reducing the dependence on sea routes for the movement of oil and gas from Iran and other West Asian countries.

At present, sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb remain sensitive due to conflict and piracy. In such a situation, it remains to be seen how much strategic importance China’s land-based network will acquire in the coming times.

Railway will go from Kashgar to Andijan

This railway will start from Kashgar in Xinjiang region of China. From there it will enter Kyrgyzstan through Torugart Pass and reach Andijan in Uzbekistan via Jalal-Abad.

That means China is not just building a rail line, but is also creating a new transportation and trade link between China and Central Asia. Amidst the increasing instability regarding sea routes in West Asia, this project can be important for China’s future connectivity strategy.