The reconstruction project of Bishkek's road network holds special meaning for Ermek Ashiraliev, his first project after joining a Chinese engineering company.
BISHKEK, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- On a summer morning in Bishkek, Ermek Ashiraliev drives along a smooth asphalt road that holds special meaning for him.
The 12-kilometer route is part of the reconstruction project of the city's road network, Ashiraliev's first project after joining a Chinese engineering company.
In 2016, Ashiraliev earned a master's degree in civil engineering from Harbin Engineering University in Heilongjiang Province in China's northeast. After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Bishkek, where China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was already transforming the city's roads.
Ashiraliev, whose specialty was a perfect fit for the company, joined its representative office in Kyrgyzstan.
Cai Yu, deputy general manager of the company's office, said the project was launched in 2015 and completed in October 2022. It involved the reconstruction of 211 kilometers of roads across 135 streets, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the city's paved urban road network.
"When I started working for the company, a lot was unclear to me. Experienced engineers taught me everything step by step," recalls Ashiraliev, adding that during that time, he studied everything from material handling to site management with Chinese engineers.
"The former dirt roads were muddy in rainy weather and dusty in sunny weather. Sometimes the dust was so thick that it was scary to open the windows," said Ashiraliev, sharing that scratches on a car's chassis were common when driving on bumpy terrain.
"The bitumen mastic used to build the new roads has good strength, durability and water permeability. Thanks to this, the repaired road surface is completely smooth, allowing vehicles to move quickly and smoothly."
Ashiraliev said the project completed its warranty period at the end of 2025 and was officially handed over to the local authorities.
"It's much more convenient now. The new roads have helped improve the efficiency of public transportation and boost the economy," he said, adding that bypass roads are being built in northern Bishkek with the participation of the CRBC to reduce traffic congestion during rush hour.
According to Cai, since establishing its representative office in Kyrgyzstan in 2001, the company has undertaken dozens of infrastructure projects, including the modernization of Manas International Airport and the construction of the Barskoon-Bedel highway. In total, the company has undertaken more than 2,312 km of roads across the country.
"As the length of the roads built continues to grow, the mutual trust and friendship between our partners and us continually deepen," said Cai.
Having studied in China for many years, Ashiraliev said he regarded the country as his second home.
"Since returning to Bishkek, I have been working with a Chinese company and building my hometown using the knowledge I gained, turning blueprints into roads," said Ashiraliev. "I am very proud of this and hope to continue to make an even greater contribution to cooperation and exchanges between Kyrgyzstan and China."■
