Discussion of the General Plan for the City
In Bishkek, the process of public discussion has begun regarding the initiative of the city administration on the draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers concerning the General Plan for the city until 2050.
This document outlines the strategic directions for the socio-economic, spatial, and infrastructural development of the capital over the long term.
According to the explanatory note, the General Plan will serve as the basis for territorial planning, forming a unified urban policy for Bishkek until 2050. The main goals include ensuring sustainable and balanced growth of the city, creating a safe and comfortable living environment, developing engineering and social infrastructure, as well as preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the capital.
According to the document, the population of Bishkek is projected to reach 1 million 321.9 thousand by January 1, 2025. It is anticipated that by 2050 this figure will increase to 1 million 920.0 thousand, which implies the need for comprehensive and proactive development of urban infrastructure. The area of the city within the approved boundaries is 41,081.33 hectares.
The project provides for the creation of a polycentric planning structure with new public and business centers in each administrative district, as well as specialized institutions — administrative, medical, educational, sports, and recreational.
Particular attention is given to the Bishkek agglomeration, which may reach a population of 2.5 million people. The General Plan takes into account the development of agglomeration centers, transport links, and the redistribution of jobs outside the center of the agglomeration.
In the economic section of the document, an increase in the labor force to 1 million 179.1 thousand is forecasted, with the employed population rising to 943.3 thousand and the creation of 349.4 thousand new jobs in various sectors, including industry, transport, construction, and services.
The General Plan also envisions significant development of transport infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the Manas Airport, the construction of bypass roads, a railway mainline, as well as improvements to the street and road network and public transport.
In particular, it is planned to create three high-capacity rapid public transport systems: urban railway service "West – Center – East," light rail transport, and bus rapid transit (BRT), as well as transport interchange hubs of various levels.
The environmental aspect also plays an important role in the General Plan. It includes the development of the city's natural-ecological framework, preservation and expansion of green spaces, improvement of rivers and irrigation canals, as well as ecological reorganization of industrial and transport zones.
As emphasized in the project, the approval of the General Plan for Bishkek until 2050 will create a legal and planning basis for major investment and infrastructure projects, which, in turn, aims to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure sustainable development of the capital.
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