In a recent interview with the "Kabar" agency, the Mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, summarized significant reforms and shared key plans for the development of urban infrastructure for 2026.
Public Transport Fleet
The mayor noted that the city administration continues to expand the public transport fleet. While in 2021 the capital's need for buses was estimated at 2,500 units, currently 1,436 buses are already in operation on the lines. In 2026, it is planned to acquire more than 600 new "short buses".
Junushaliev also emphasized that simply increasing the number of vehicles will not solve the traffic congestion problem and may even worsen the situation. The main focus will be on optimizing the schedule to ensure that transport operates more efficiently during "peak hours." Bishkek has over 460,000 registered vehicles, and the issue of traffic jams remains relevant. The mayor stressed that road expansion is being carried out in accordance with the General Plan to ensure that the infrastructure meets actual loads.
Road Construction in Bishkek
Last year was significant for road construction in the capital: 92 km of new roads were built, which is a record, as previously this figure did not exceed 25 km per year. The work was carried out from May to November in the shortest possible time.
Nevertheless, the volume of tasks remains colossal. After the administrative-territorial reform, the total length of roads in the capital increased to 2,800 km, of which nearly 1,800 km require repairs.
"For 2026, we have planned the construction of 120 km of new roads," the mayor reported.
Tree Planting with a New Approach
Bishkek plans to plant 50,000 seedlings in 2026. Considering the negative experience of 2025, when 1,500 imported trees died due to poor adaptation, the city administration decided to change its approach.
"The new seedlings, the delivery of which will begin in February, will first be planted in special nurseries. After specialists confirm that the plants have adapted to the local climate, they will be moved to the city streets," Aibek Junushaliev reported.
