Key Central Asian highway expands on trade route from China towards Europe

A major highway expansion project in Uzbekistan is improving freight transport along the trade corridor connecting China to Europe. The A380 highway reconstruction, supported by the Asian Development Bank, has significantly reduced travel times and maintenance costs, though border delays remain a challenge for regional trade.

• A 25km section of the A380 highway in Uzbekistan is being widened to four lanes.
• Upgrades have reduced travel times between Kungrad and Beyneu from 12 hours to 4 hours.
• The project is part of a $383.4mn regional transport improvement program.
• Asian Development Bank is providing $274.2mn in loans for the initiative.
• Border crossing delays are being addressed through digital modernization and new financing facilities.