The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $600m towards upgrading Uzbekistan’s road corridors, linking it to its neighbours.

The programme consists of three projects, including the reconstruction of over 220km of the A380 highway.

When completed the A380 highway connects Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

The highway is expected to be upgraded into a four-lane international design-standard road.

Rehabilitation of other sections of the highway and improving road planning are expected to lessen travel time, reduce transport costs and improve safety on the road.

The ADB transport economist Olly Norojono said the programme is a part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation plan to develop six transport corridors to improve connectivity, cut costs and boost trade.

The bank’s programme is expected to support Uzbekistan $2.6bn plan to develop its national road for 2009-2014.

The funds are expected to be released in three tranches.