The concept of a "smart city" has long ceased to seem unattainable. In Kyrgyzstan, it is gradually taking shape, and behind the loud statements about digitalization lies real work: modernization of infrastructure, implementation of intelligent systems, and "pilot" projects. These changes are creating a new urban landscape where technology becomes part of everyday life.
In this material, we explore how Kyrgyzstan is moving towards digital cities, what solutions are being implemented, and what opportunities are opening up for residents in the future that is being created today.
The city of Bishkek
The global trend towards "smart" cities
Ten years ago, the concept of a "smart city" seemed like a fantasy from movies. Today, it is a reality that is actively being invested in by the largest economies in the world. According to Global Market Insights, the global Smart City market is expected to reach $634 billion in 2024, and by 2034 it could grow to $2.74 trillion with an annual growth rate of 15.8%.
The global market volume for Smart City solutions
This growth is explained by the increasing number of cities, technological advancements, and rising expectations from people regarding comfort, safety, and sustainability of the urban environment. Urbanization, digitalization of infrastructure, and the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming the main drivers of this new urban era.
Many governments around the world are focusing on "smart" and sustainable development programs. Although Kyrgyz cities cannot yet compete with technologically advanced megacities like Singapore or Dubai, Kyrgyzstan is confidently moving in the same direction. Digitalization of the urban environment is becoming not just a fashionable term, but concrete actions: the implementation of traffic management systems, video surveillance, and solutions that enhance the quality of life for citizens.
What is Smart City and its significance for Kyrgyzstan
Smart City is not just a city with the latest technologies, but a living ecosystem where data, innovations, and people interact with each other. Modern technologies help improve urban services, save resources, and manage infrastructure so that all aspects — from transportation to lighting — work efficiently and for the benefit of citizens.
The main areas of a "smart" city include:
Transport and mobility - "smart" traffic lights, monitoring systems, and digital parking help reduce congestion and make movement more convenient. Energy and ecology - energy efficiency and emissions control systems promote careful resource and environmental management. Safety - intelligent video cameras and data analytics enhance citizen protection. Digital services for citizens - electronic services, online payments, and city applications simplify interaction with authorities. Infrastructure management - digital monitoring systems help quickly identify and solve urban problems.
Ilya Belyakov, Director of the Technical Department of INTEGRA CITY, emphasizes: "For Kyrgyzstan, Smart City is a response to modern challenges. The country is urbanizing, cities are growing, and infrastructure requires new solutions. 'Smart' technologies can not only improve the quality of life but also increase the efficiency of using limited resources. It is important to approach the creation of an urban digital ecosystem strategically and comprehensively, taking into account international practices and local specifics."
Leaders in the Smart City field
When it comes to examples of "smart" cities, Singapore consistently ranks first. Here, technology is integrated into everyday life. The Smart Nation initiative combines transport, healthcare, safety, and energy into a single digital ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive management.
Barcelona is also a bright example, being a pioneer in the application of IoT technologies. Thousands of sensors throughout the city monitor lighting, parking, and air quality, leading to significant savings on utility costs and improvements in environmental standards.
In Seoul, digital government services are actively developing: residents can access most services online, and the city administration uses real-time data for decision-making.
Examples of Smart City solutions implemented in cities around the world
Among the key trends for 2025 are: the development of AI-managed transport, the creation of digital twins of cities, the implementation of "smart" waste recycling systems, and the expansion of green technologies.
The experience of Smart City leaders shows that a "smart" city, consisting of sensors and screens, is transforming into a holistic data-driven management system — transparent, flexible, and human-centered.
Digitalization of Kyrgyz cities
Not long ago, a "smart city" seemed like just a dream for Kyrgyzstan, but now it is a reality.
In Bishkek, Osh, and other cities, video analytics and surveillance systems with facial recognition, traffic violation detection complexes, and "smart traffic lights" and automated traffic management systems (ATMS) are successfully operating to regulate traffic flows. In the capital, 21 intersections are already integrated into the system, with plans for another 27. More than 4,000 video cameras provide real-time security, including facial recognition technology. As part of the "Safe Country" project, their number is planned to increase to 20,000.
Digital urban infrastructure is also developing: "smart" parking integrated with the "Auto-evacuation" system is being implemented, pilot projects for interactive bus stops are being launched, and "smart" water and electricity meters automatically transmit readings, allowing for resource savings.
Urban digital services are also being improved — from electronic government services to online payment of utility bills and mobile applications for reporting infrastructure issues. Government structures, including education, healthcare, and law enforcement, are gradually transitioning to digital technologies, becoming more efficient and accessible to citizens.
Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, is not lagging behind the capital in the digitalization of urban infrastructure. The "Safe City" project, which includes traffic violation detection systems, is operational on the roads of Osh. As part of the "Safe Country" project, cameras with facial recognition help prevent crisis situations and combat crime. The digitalization of electricity accounting has also been completed — the installation of "smart" meters in the southern capital was finished in the fall. In February of this year, President Sadyr Japarov laid a capsule at the foundation of the IT town "Osh City," which will become the country's technological hub with a developed Smart City infrastructure.
The new project of the eco-friendly and "smart" city Asman, being built on the shores of Issyk-Kul, gives an additional impetus to the movement towards Smart City. Plans include the implementation of modern technologies: electric vehicles and electric transport instead of gasoline cars, "smart homes" with energy-saving and automated management systems, digital monitoring of infrastructure, automation of utility services, and environmental control. Asman City symbolizes a new era in the development of cities in Kyrgyzstan.
The concept of "smart" cities opens up opportunities for large-scale economic changes for Kyrgyzstan. The active development of the IT sector, government support, and international experience give the country a chance to become a regional leader in digital transformation. The "smart" future is being created today, and it is not a privilege of megacities, but a necessary tool for sustainable development that helps cities and countries of any scale to use resources rationally, enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for people.
