The second working paper, supported by ESCAP?IsDB project on “Improving Connectivity in North and Central Asia through Co-Deployment of ICT, Energy and Transport Infrastructures” turns analysis into action. Entitled "Pre-feasibility study on the co-deployment of ICT infrastructure with transport and energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan" and building on Part 1, it presents a pre-feasibility study on how Uzbekistan can co-deploy fibre-optic networks with three railway projects and one high-voltage transmission line, in line with the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) Connectivity for All pillar, co-chaired by Uzbekistan.
Using ESCAP’s Infrastructure Corridors Simulator and a structured cost and design methodology, the Technical Infrastructure Co-Deployment Expert Group (TICEG) assesses four projects: the Kyzylorda?Uchkuduk international railway, the Akhangaran?Tukimachi?Syrdarya domestic railway, the Navoi?Bukhara second electrified high-speed track, and the Yangi Angren?Namangan?Margilon?Lochin high-voltage transmission line. The study estimates capital and operating expenditures, potential revenues, and wider economic, geopolitical and social impacts. It concludes that Kyzylorda?Uchkuduk as a transboundary route is not viable under current or forecast conditions, while national route Navoi?Bukhara is attractive mainly as a stand-alone railway investment. Two projects ? the Akhangaran?Tukimachi?Syrdarya railway and the Yangi Angren?Namangan?Margilon?Lochin transmission line ? show strong financial performance when ICT infrastructure is co-deployed, and are recommended for advancement to full feasibility assessment as priority co-deployment options.