Qamchiq Tunnel of Anglian-Pap Electrified Railway, Uzbekistan

Value and Significance to Uzbekistan Brought by the Qamchiq Tunnel Project
The Qamchiq tunnel on Angren-Pap electrified railway line connects the remote Ferghana region of Uzbekistan with the capital Tashkent as well as the central and western industrial areas. It also provides more transportation opportunities between Uzbekistan and China. The railway not only transports domestic goods, but also becomes part of the international transit channel. Previously, there is no direct rail link from the Ferghana Basin to Tashkent. The roads were in bad conditions and were greatly affected by the climate. Local people who travel to Tashkent have to take a detour train via neighboring countries. In 2013, this railway project was listed on the construction agenda by Uzbekistan and they named the project “President Project No. 1”. The tunnel is 19.2 km in length while the excavation length is 47 km; it is the crucial part of the Angren-Pap electrified railway line and it is with much difficulty to work on. The tunnel, known as "the Longest Tunnel in Central Asia", is a model project of the joint efforts of the two countries for the interconnectivity of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Benefiting from the opening to traffic of the Qamchiq tunnel, the transportation distance from the Ferghana Basin to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan was reduced by 100 kilometers, saving nearly 2 hours, which has greatly facilitated the travel of local people. The Ferghana Basin is the important producing area of cotton, grain, fruits and vegetables of Uzbekistan. By the advantage of railway, Tashkent citizens may taste fresh vegetables and fruits picked in the Ferghana Basin daily. Coal, oil and other resources produced in the Ferghana Basin will be transported to the industrial plants in the central and western parts of Uzbekistan.

Since the operation of the Angren-Pap electrified railway ten months ago, the total volume of cargo being transported accumulates more than 7 million tons, the passenger capacity reaches 4 million man-times. It has greatly improved the population mobility among the states of Uzbekistan and has promoted the exchange of culture and production mode.

The Qamchiq Tunnel is a critical section on the Angren-Pap railway line; it has been listed as one of the early achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative. The completion of the project has changed the dilemma of bypassing other countries. It has become a new hub connecting China, Central Asia and European transportation corridors, and has promoted the political and economic development in Uzbekistan.

Appraisal and Evaluation on the Qamchiq Tunnel Project by Uzbek Government Leaders and Officials
June 22nd 2016, witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and previous Uzbekistan President Karimov, the Qamchiq Tunnel was officially opened to traffic.

In his speech, President Karimov spoke highly of CREC. He said, the Angren-Pap Railway project is a political cooperation rather than an economic solution. Chinese company has made great contributions to the economic development of Uzbekistan.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that the Qamchiq Tunnel is a crucial part of the Angren-Pap Railway in Uzbekistan. during the past three years, China and Uzbekistan sides have been staying together with joint efforts to tackle challenges for the completion of the longest railway tunnel in Central Asia. This is a major achievement of the Belt and Road Initiative and a new tie showing friendship and cooperation between the two peoples. Road interconnectivity is an important content of the Belt and Road Initiative and is also the focal point of China-Uzbekistan cooperation. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to continuously improve the level of regional infrastructure interconnectivity, and to promote the development of the two countries for the benefit of the two peoples.

President Karimov said that the project has greatly benefited the people of Uzbekistan. He was very grateful for the support and help from China for the realization of the long-cherished hope by the Uzbekistan people.

Sun Lijie, the then Chinese ambassador to Uzbekistan, said that the project is not only the largest cooperative project in the field of non-resource sector, but also a major achievement of the Belt and Road construction between China and Uzbekistan. It is also an outstanding example, a name card and a benchmark of Chinese high-quality productivity inputting into Uzbekistan.

The then President Karimov spoke highly of the Qamchiq Tunnel at the enlarged meeting of the Cabinet. The then Prime Minister Mirziyoyev visited the project site for four times.

Electrified Railway Tunnel Project in Uzbekistan

Total Length:  19.2km
Total Investment: 455 million USD