Bishkek, June 10, 2026. /Kabar/. About 40 structures to be built to enhance safety on the North-South highway, the Minister of Transport and Communications Talantbek Soltobaev told jourbalists.
According to him, the construction of the North-South alternative highway began in 2014. However, in those years, some sections of the road were not included in the project, and funds were not allocated.
“In 2022, the more difficult Kazarman-Aral road, which passes through a gorge, was put into operation. Since then, rockfalls and landslides have been recorded in this area. However, although the tunnel on the Jalal-Abad side was completed in 2024, it was not put into operation due to incomplete safety issues. President Sadyr Zhaparov set the task of resolving all safety-related problems in 2025 and only then opening the road. For this purpose, 5.3 billion soms have been allocated, the main part of which is aimed at building protective structures against landslides and rockfalls, as well as developing the Barpy-Safarovka road. Although this is a large amount, it is not enough to fully solve all the problems. Because about 40 more such protective structures need to be built. Currently, the construction of retaining walls has begun on 12 lanes along the Kazarman-Aral road,” he noted.
According to the minister, the task of completing the mentioned structures within two years has been set. After they are put into operation, road safety will significantly increase. At the same time, the risk of rockfalls in the approximately 50-kilometer mountainous section between Sary-Kamysh and Kazarman is not completely eliminated.
“We are trying to minimize all risks as much as possible. Until now, many issues have not been resolved due to lack of funds. Now, by the presidential order, this direction has been recognized as a priority, and the necessary funds are being allocated.
In addition, additional measures are being taken to develop the road maintenance infrastructure. The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated funds for the construction of new road maintenance points. In total, it is planned to build three service points.
“Currently, there are road maintenance departments in Jumgal and Kazarman. The distance between them is 110 kilometers. Since the arrival of equipment in emergency situations takes a long time, special equipment, personnel and stocks of inert materials are always ready at the new points. These facilities are planned to be completed this year.
And the North-South road should be fully completed and put into safe operation by 2028. "This still requires a large amount of money and labor," Soltobaev concluded.