The Republic of Tuva is renewing efforts to complete the long-delayed Kyzyl — Kuragino railway, a key transport corridor capable of integrating the region into international logistics chains, including a potential branch to China. The republic's authorities are considering attracting investors from China and Mongolia to finance and implement the project, which has been stalled since 2021.
Vladimir Donskikh, Special Representative of the Head of Tuva for Investment and International Cooperation, said that Chinese partners are proposing to build not only the railway but also the associated energy infrastructure in the republic. In return, they expect to receive rights to develop rare and rare earth metal deposits.
At the same time, the Tuva authorities are negotiating with the Mongolian company "Chinggis Khaan Group" on a framework agreement for joint infrastructure development.
The Kyzyl — Kuragino project has been discussed for over 20 years and remains Tuva's only chance to access the all-Russian railway network. In 2021, its implementation was officially suspended until 2026. Initially, the construction was to be carried out by Ruslan Baysarov's company, JSC "TEPK Kyzyl — Kuragino", but later the status of general contractor was transferred to Russian Railways after the signing of a corresponding agreement with the Chairman of the Board, Oleg Belozerov.