ADB says that the line is part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (Carec) Corridor 2, which is transport link in the region.

The line is used by both freight and passenger services linking major towns and cities in the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan. The project is estimated to cost a total of $US 177.5m, with Uzbekistan Railways (UTY) and the government contributing the remaining $US 97.5m.

ADB’s investment will finance consultants and the procurement of plant, maintenance equipment and machinery, and materials for external power supplies.