ADB invests in Kazakhstan’s road safety and regional connectivity
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide National Company “KazAvtoZhol” JSC with a loan of $291.49 million for the reconstruction of 208 km of highways in the central part of the country, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports, citing ADB.
The ADB project will modernize the existing two-lane highway connecting Kyzylorda to Zhezkazgan, the administrative center of the Ulytau region, to a higher standard, climate-resilient two-lane road. The rehabilitated road will provide all-weather access and reduce travel time from 4 to 2 hours on the route.
“By improving the Kyzylorda–Zhezkazgan corridor, we are addressing critical infrastructure constraints that hinder Kazakhstan’s economic growth and balanced regional economic development. The project road is also crucial for leveraging Kazakhstan’s geostrategic advantage and boosting regional and global integration,” says ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov.
According to the ADB report, Kazakhstan's potential as a bridge between Asia and Europe is hindered by high transport costs, logistical inefficiencies, and a high traffic fatality rate.
The ADB project addresses these challenges by enhancing road infrastructure and safety measures to reduce accidents, improve connectivity, and support Kazakhstan’s role in regional trade networks.
In addition, the project aims to strengthen gender equality and the professional potential of women in the road sector, as well as to train female personnel and entrepreneurs.