The municipal enterprise "Bishkek City Transport" has announced a tender for the demolition of trolleybus poles in the capital. The total contract amount is 12 million 46 thousand soms, as reported by 24.kg citing Bermet Borubaeva, the founder of the initiative group #BishkekSmog.
According to the activist, the Ministry of Finance previously stated that the transfer of 100 trolleybuses would not incur additional costs for the local budget. However, in reality, the costs for dismantling the infrastructure will fall on the municipal budget.
In fact, the elimination of transport infrastructure is financed from the city budget, that is, with citizens' money.
Bermet Borubaeva
"Why should we, the residents, not only endure the inconveniences created by the mayor's office but also pay for them?" — Borubaeva questions.
She also noted that trolleybus poles serve not only for the contact network but also for street lighting. As an example, she cited Akhunbaev Street, where after the road was widened, the poles were dismantled, and the area has been without lighting for two years.
Moreover, there is uncertainty regarding the further fate of the dismantled structures.
Earlier, the Osh city hall reported plans to build a third trolleybus line as part of a separate investment project with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). In 2024, funding of up to 23 million euros was approved for the development of electric transport and modernization of infrastructure in the southern capital.
Residents of Bishkek previously filed a lawsuit demanding the annulment of the decision of the Bishkek City Council to transfer 100 trolleybuses to other regions. The first hearing in the case took place on October 23, 2024. The citizens believe that this decision contradicts the law on loan agreement No. 1191-VI, concluded for their purchase, and was made with multiple violations.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 16 in the Supreme Court.
