The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, an important project for the three countries, has entered an active phase. While high-level credit agreements are being signed, the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Razakov and Vocational Lyceum No. 97 are preparing specialists needed for this infrastructure.
When we visited the lyceum, we were struck by a large drone that was taking off and landing at that time. It turned out that a teacher from Liaoning University in China was training students to operate a quadcopter, which is used to create digital maps of the terrain for road design.
Ulanbek Shekerbekov, an associate professor at the Department of Automotive and Railway Transport at KSTU, attended the practical classes and shared information about the three laboratories operating at the lyceum: engineering design, BIM, and CAD. Polytechnic students also come here to gain practical experience. The university trains specialists in the design and construction of railways, as well as their management.
However, as Shekerbekov noted, the number of those wishing to become engineers in the railway sector is small — only 10-15 people in a group. This is due to the fact that the total length of railways in Kyrgyzstan is only 425 kilometers, and the labor market has been oversaturated, making the training of a large number of specialists impractical. In the early 1990s, engineers for the railway began to be trained when the construction of the Balykchy-Kochkor-Kara-Keche route was planned, but the project was not implemented.
Nevertheless, according to the associate professor, the situation has changed: railway construction has resumed in the country, and there is a need for qualified personnel.
By 2030, an additional 304 kilometers will be added to the existing 425 kilometers, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan road and the route from Balykchy to Makmal. This will make it possible to travel by train from Bishkek to Osh!
We also spoke with students who are preparing to become designers and builders.
Ryskeldi Abdyjaparov, a third-year student at the Technical University, shared that he chose this profession himself. He has been interested in drawing and designing since childhood and has heard about the great prospects in the railway industry. When asked about plans to work abroad, he confidently said that he wants to stay in Kyrgyzstan. His friend Maisalbek chose the profession of railway construction engineer by chance – during online training, he accidentally clicked the right button. However, now he does not regret his choice, as the profession has become in demand and well-paid.
Tilek Erkinov, a student at Vocational Lyceum No. 97, is studying to become an assistant locomotive engineer and has no doubts about his choice. He grew up in a family of railway workers.
Recently, Tilek returned from China, where competitions among students of specialized educational institutions were held. Although he did not win any prizes, it strengthened his confidence in the correctness of his career choice and allowed him to meet peers from other countries. He has not yet decided what he will do after the lyceum: he may continue his studies or go to work. But he is already sure that he will connect his life with the railway.
Suyunbek SHAMSHIEV
Photo by the author
