The implementation of this project will also result in Ulaanbaatar no longer allowing the transportation of hazardous and imported goods through its territory, except for passenger, transit, and fuel transport.
As reported by the governor of the capital, the new Class III railway will have a length of 102.5 km and a track gauge of 1520 mm. The project includes the construction of three stations, four passing loops, and a bridge 2.5 km long. The construction process will be divided into two phases: the first phase will cover 87.85 km from the Bagakhangai station to the Khöshig station, while the second will cover the remaining 14.65 km.
Currently, work on the first phase, related to the construction of the subgrade and superstructure at the Bagakhangai and Khöshig stations, has reached 89.39% completion. Earthworks are completed by 94.96%, and embankment construction is at 96.34%. All main and cross beams of the 652-meter-long bridge have already been installed, and the overall volume of work on its construction is 91.6%. The project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of next year.
Currently, there are 14 railway crossings in the capital, where intersections with roadways cause delays of about four minutes each time a train passes. As a result, this leads to more than 144 minutes or over two hours of delays daily.
The Ulaanbaatar, Tolgoit, and Amgalan stations on the Ulaanbaatar Railway handle approximately 190,000 wagons and 50,000 containers annually, distributing cargo to 10 central terminals via more than 300 access tracks. All this cargo flow passes through the city center, creating additional strain on the infrastructure and exacerbating traffic congestion.
With the commissioning of the new Bagakhangai—Khunnu City railway line, the transportation of hazardous goods will be moved outside the city center, which will contribute to the development of satellite cities and stimulate economic activity in the region. It is expected that the average speed of movement in the capital will increase by about four percent.
During the construction phase, it is planned to involve national companies as contractors, with 30% of the total investment directed towards domestic construction works.
