China’s CITIC Construction begins $246 million reconstruction of Pungan–Namangan highway

Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov announced the start of reconstruction in Namangan region during an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel.

According to him, the project is being carried out jointly with China’s CITIC Construction.

“Based on the instructions [of the president] given during his previous visit, we began reconstruction together with the major Chinese company CITIC. The president gave a separate order to ensure high-quality construction and timely completion of the project,” Mahkamov said.

The minister noted that the current road consists of two lanes and is one of the most congested in the Fergana Valley, often plagued by traffic jams and major accidents. “It is one of the busiest roads in the Fergana Valley and the main route connecting Namangan with the capital,” he stressed.

According to the presidential press service, up to 15,000 vehicles currently travel along the road every day. After reconstruction, this figure is expected to increase to 40,000–45,000. The project, valued at $246 million, envisions expanding the highway to four lanes with a concrete surface. A total of 34 bridges will be built, and 22 pedestrian crossings will be installed.

The Namangan regional administration had announced the start of reconstruction as early as August last year. In April this year, it confirmed that the project was being implemented under the F+EPC model (financing, engineering, procurement, and construction). The reconstruction is expected to triple the road’s throughput, reduce the accident rate, and provide greater convenience for residents, businesses, and tourists.

During his visit to Namangan region in March 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the project, calling it a “new road for a New Uzbekistan.” The project had originally been planned since 2013 but was suspended in 2016. Construction was scheduled to begin on April 25 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. The designed speed limit on the new highway will be 120 km/h.

Founded in 1960, CITIC Construction is the construction and engineering arm of the state-owned CITIC Group. The company also develops businesses in energy, chemicals, agriculture, and environmental protection. In Uzbekistan, it is involved in several projects, including the concreting of canals in Namangan region.