The Asian Development Bank will allocate $50 million to Bishkek for the purchase of 120 electric buses, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, director of the ADB office in Kyrgyzstan, said at the presentation of forecasts for Central Asia, Economist.kg reports.
Bishkek is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Smog suffocates the population, causes various respiratory diseases. Much of this smog comes from emissions from unsustainable cars, the report said.
ADB has developed a public transport electrification project in the Kyrgyz capital to help address these issues. According to the specifications, 120 electric buses purchased with ADB funds have zero emissions of harmful substances into the environment, which will positively affect the fight against smog.
In addition, it is noted that the project includes the creation of a green corridor for eco-mobility in Bishkek. It involves the construction of separate lanes on the road for pedestrians, cyclists and electric buses. In total, a $25 million grant and a $25 million loan will be allocated for the project.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 4, 2023