CARs programm

The Central Asia Road Links (CARs) program is a collaborative regional, multi-phase program initiated by governments of Central Asia. The objective of this program is to increase transport connectivity between neighboring countries in Central Asia while supporting improvements in road operations and maintenance practices.

The first phase of the Central Asia Road Links Program (CARs-1) will rehabilitate cross-border road links between Osh and Batken oblasts in the Kyrgyz Republic and Sugd oblast in the Republic of Tajikistan.

CARs-1 in the Kyrgyz Republic will focus on the rehabilitation of about 56 kilometers of road sections in Batken oblast along and within close vicinity of the Osh-Batken-Isfana road corridor. Specifically, those road sections include: Isfana - Kairagach/Madaniyat border crossing (36 kilometers), Batken- Tortkul (14 kilometers), and Batken - Kyzyl Bel/Guliston border crossing (6 kilometers).

Another important goal of the CARS-1 project will be the improvement of road operations and maintenance by the Osh-Batken-Isfana Roads Department, which will be responsible for routine maintenance and emergency works for the entire Osh-Batken-Isfana corridor. The project will support the Department and its local maintenance units through a set of equipment worth US$1 million as well as training covering best international road maintenance practices. In addition, the project will help the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport and Communication to review regional norms and standards on vehicle weight, axle load limits and tariffication, as well as develop a strategic plan for the institutional arrangements for transport control.

The second phase in this program involving Tajikistan is currently under preparation. Kazakhstan has expressed its interest to consider its participation in the program in the future; discussions are currently ongoing between the Kyrgyz and Kazakh governments with a view to increase transport connectivity between Issyk-Kul oblast (Kyrgyz Republic) and the bordering Almaty oblast of Kazakhstan.

The CARs-1 project will be implemented over five years by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport and Communication. The World Bank's total contribution of US$45 million equivalent consists of US$36.8 million equivalent provided as a highly concessional credit, and US$8.2 million equivalent as a grant. The Kyrgyz Republic's own contribution will be US$9 million.

At present, the draft Financing Agreement under CARs-1 project between the Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank is at the stage of approval by the KR Government.

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