World Bank to Fund Construction of 457-km Karaganda-Zhezkazgan Highway in Kazakhstan

A significant step has been taken toward improving Kazakhstan's transport network with the signing of a major financing agreement in Washington, D.C. The deal secures funding for the construction of a new highway connecting the cities of Karaganda and Zhezkazgan.

The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the World Bank between Kazakhstan's national road operator, JSC "NC "KazAvtoZhol," and two international financial institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The project aims to develop transport infrastructure, enhance transit potential, and improve connectivity between regions. The new 457-kilometer road is expected to significantly reduce travel time, increase traffic safety, and provide a fresh impetus for economic development in Central Kazakhstan.

The total loan amount allocated for this large-scale project is 650 billion tenge. Competitive tender procedures are currently in their final stages. Project design and construction are scheduled to begin this year.

Beyond improving transportation, the initiative is anticipated to boost logistics capabilities, raise the investment attractiveness of the region, and create new jobs. The official start of construction work is expected in the near future.