EBRD Supports Strategic Road Modernization on Middle Corridor
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a loan of up to 230 million euros (US$262.3 million equivalent in Japanese yen) to support the modernization of a key highway section in western Kazakhstan, reinforcing the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).
The financing will enable the completion of reconstruction works on a 234-kilometer road segment between Aktobe and Ulgaisyn. The project is being implemented by QazAutoZhol and represents the second phase of the EBRD’s financing package, following initial funding provided in 2025. The project is also co-financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Upon completion, the existing Category II single-carriageway road will be upgraded to a Category I dual-carriageway highway. The route forms part of the strategic Western Europe–Western China Corridor, CAREC Corridor 1, and European Route E38, further strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia.
The upgraded highway will incorporate advanced intelligent transport systems, including electronic toll collection, weigh-in-motion sensors, and weather-monitoring technologies aimed at improving road safety, traffic management, and operational efficiency.
In addition, Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry and the EBRD agreed to deepen cooperation on the digitalization of the road sector through the implementation of the E-Joldar road asset management platform and intelligent road monitoring solutions.
The EBRD has invested nearly US$12.8 billion in Kazakhstan through 354 projects, making the country the bank’s largest and longest-standing investment destination in Central Asia.
Photo credit: EBRD
