The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $233.1 million loan to Uzbekistan to modernise 87km of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Road Corridor 2 in Karakalpakstan, according to its report on Thursday. The project includes a new 75 km bypass, reconstruction of 12 km of the A380 highway, climate-resilient pavements, improved drainage, and intelligent transport systems, as stated in the announcement. ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, said the investment will strengthen Uzbekistan's position as a regional transit hub and support inclusive economic growth in Karakalpakstan. The project also includes intelligent transport systems, weigh-in-motion technologies for traffic monitoring, five rest and service areas with electric vehicle charging stations, and gender-responsive facilities. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M.S.Salama