ADB approves additional financing for modernization of Uzbekistan Railway Network

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 11 By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $121 million loan to complete the modernization of the railway network in eastern Uzbekistan, Trend reports referring to the press service of ADB. The loan will supplement the $80 million financings ADB approved in 2017 to help electrify 145 kilometers of railway track between the cities of Pap, Namangan, and Andijan in the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan. The additional financing will help expand the amount of freight transported and the frequency of passenger trains, eliminate gaps in signaling and telecommunications systems and improve the capacity of railway staff in modern train management techniques. “This expanded support will help ensure that trains on the modernized railway network operate safely and more frequently,” said ADB Principal Transport Specialist for Central and West Asia Ko Sakamoto. The modernization of the eastern Uzbekistan railway network is expected to enhance people’s access to health, education, and work opportunities. In addition, it will boost tourism and trade between Uzbekistan and neighboring countries, as it is part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program’s Corridor 2. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, of them 49 are from the Central Asia region. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @romakayeva