Bishkek, March 31, 2026 /Kabar/. The work continues on the alternative North-South highway to eliminate previously identified deficiencies and ensure safety, presidential press service reports.
According to the information, during an on-site inspection, hazardous sections were identified where the risk of rockfalls, avalanches, and snow drifts persists. Construction of additional protective structures is currently underway along the highway, as well as ongoing landslide clearance.
The project was launched in 2014 with loans from China and other donors (ADB, IDB).
It turned out that significant portion of the loan was missused, and the work was poorly performed by officials and managers. As a result, the issue of road safety remains unresolved and problematic. The state is currently allocating billions of soms to address deficiencies and complete unfinished sections of the road.
The public demands that construction be completed and the road commissioned as soon as possible. However, the unfinished sections remain dangerous to drive on. Considering the demands and requests of citizens, a decision has been made to temporarily open the road from June to November of this year.
In late autumn, beginning in November, the road will be closed again until May 2027. Completion of the road and full safety for passengers is planned for 2028.
Criminal cases have been opened for the theft of funds, and legal proceedings were ongoing, statement says.
