Ulaanbaatar
Construction of 157-km Solongot Pass–Jargalant–Shine-Ider–Murun Highway to Begin in 2027
Politics
Ulaanbaatar, January 6, 2026 /MONTSAME/. Prime Minister of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav met with residents of Shine-Ider soum, Khuvsgul aimag, on January 5, 2026.
At the outset of the meeting, the Prime Minister announced that construction of the vertical-axis highway from the foot of Solongot Pass to Jargalant–Shine-Ider–Murun in Khuvsgul aimag is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Studies show that nearly 60 percent of the approximately 150,000 domestic and international tourists who visited Khuvsgul aimag last year traveled along this route. Accordingly, plans have been made to construct a 157-kilometer two-lane highway. Residents of Shine-Ider soum have waited 22 years for a paved road. The project, first discussed in 2004, will finally become a reality next year, a development warmly welcomed by residents.
PM Zandanshatar emphasized that tourism is one of the main sources of income and employment in Khuvsgul aimag. In this context, he announced that construction and rehabilitation works will also begin on the Khankh–Khatgal–Murun vertical-axis highway, the Khatgal–Jankhai–Toilogt road, the Khatgal–Khuzuuvchiin Shil section, and the Bulgan–Murun road. He noted that road development brings economic growth, increases tourist flows, and expands income opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Shine-Ider soum, established in 1924, has a population of 3,059. In addition to road infrastructure, energy supply has become an urgent issue for the area.
A 10-kV power source located in Jargalant soum currently supplies electricity to three soums in two aimags - Shine-Ider and Galt soums of Khuvsgul aimag, and Ikh-Uul soum of Zavkhan aimag - but its capacity has become insufficient and unstable. Residents therefore proposed expanding the capacity to 35 kV and constructing a substation.
The Prime Minister reported that the Ministry of Energy has begun a study to determine whether expanding the existing power source to 35 kV or building a renewable energy plant would be more economically viable for the region. He instructed that the work be expedited and launched within this year.
More than 300 residents participated in the meeting with the Prime Minister and voiced their opinions and proposals.
