The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $233.1 million loan to the Republic of Uzbekistan to help modernize a critical segment of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Road Corridor 2, ADB reports.

The CAREC Road Corridor 2 Resilience and Modernization Project will upgrade approximately 87 kilometers (km) of the Guzar – Bukhara – Nukus – Beyneu (A380) highway in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which includes the construction of a new 75 km bypass (Turtkul – Ellikkala – Beruniy) and the reconstruction of a 12 km section of the existing A380 highway. It will incorporate climate-resilient design features, such as cement concrete pavement, elevated embankments, and improved drainage systems, to better withstand climate impacts and extreme weather conditions.

“This investment will strengthen Uzbekistan’s role as a regional transit hub and support inclusive economic growth in Karakalpakstan”, said ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya. “By integrating climate-resilient infrastructure and intelligent transport systems, the project will ensure long-term sustainability and deliver safer and more efficient mobility for communities and businesses”.

The total project cost is $293.7 million, with the Government of Uzbekistan contributing $60.6 million.

Sh.Mamaturopova, UzA