Set to promote regional integration and economic cooperation across countries in Asia, Africa and Europe, the US$90 billion project began in 2013 and involves connections by road, rail and sea, running from China in the east to Europe in the west. Its construction in Kazakhstan, the setting of this Megaproject, is a key part of the initiative, where a rail hub called the Khorgos Gateway is being built in the middle of the desert.
There are more than 400 Volvo machines working as part of 24 separate projects along the New Silk Road, including in Kazakhstan. Not only are roads now significantly improved, but the speed of transport has been increased and new towns are being developed. In addition, a large workforce is required to work along the over-700km stretch of road in the nearby town of Usharal.