The city hall of the capital of Kyrgyzstan explained why the roadway near the Central Department Store (ЦУМ) looks narrower than before. According to the deputy director of the transport department, Abdyjapar Kul Jambolotov, this is merely an optical illusion.
He clarified that the width of the road has remained the same, without any narrowing.
“This is an optical trick. The width of the main road has been preserved, and in some sections, we even increased it by 4 meters. We added an additional lane for public transport with expansion and elongation. The roadway has become wider by 4 meters, and the area itself has increased to 55 meters,” Jambolotov said.
The deputy head of the department also proposed creating another lane at the turn from Abdrakhmanov Street.
In response to questions about the new protrusion, Jambolotov noted that it was made to improve the maneuverability of public transport at the stop.
“Previously, the stop was often blocked by taxi drivers and private cars, which created inconveniences for buses. The protrusion was left to prevent cars from parking in this place. Although it looks like a narrowing, in fact, the main road is four lanes wide, with a width of 16.5 meters. In the expansion zone, it reaches 20 meters,” he added.
Nariman Tyuleev, the owner of the ‘Old Bishkek’ complex, which has become the center of discussions and criticism from residents, also commented on the situation. His statement came amid active discussions on social media.
“We defended this project at the city council, and it was approved. What was planned will be implemented. The facade of the three-story building under construction will be designed in the form of a wave. We closed the old shops that spoiled the appearance of the city, and they could not be demolished as they were privately owned,” Tyuleev explained.
At the beginning of the new building, a viewing tower is planned, from which tourists and visitors will be able to enjoy views of this part of the city.
As for the road, its width was 15 meters, and now it has increased to 16 meters with the addition of two lanes. Thus, the former four-lane road has become six-lane. We did not narrow it; on the contrary, we expanded the roadway. Special "pockets" for bus stops are also provided. An underground parking lot for more than 300 cars will be built from Shopokov Street.
“Give me two months, and I will complete the project. If after that someone says that I did something wrong, I am ready to redo everything from scratch,” he added.
“The world is changing. I have visited many developed countries and want us to develop too. A modern complex should appear in the city center,” Tyuleev noted.
According to him, this area will become the Kyrgyz Monte Carlo, where residents can relax around the clock. “There will be a separate space below, practically a new city. When everything is completed, you will see it for yourself. I just ask you to wait for the construction work to finish,” he summarized.
Earlier, Tyuleev also claimed that the area would resemble “Times Square in Bishkek.”
“I have traveled the world and hope to apply this experience here. Just wait a couple of months. You will walk and have fun here, and residents will spend time here both day and night. Below, we are creating a separate city. When everything is completed, you will see it for yourself,” he added.
Construction work is ongoing.
