TA-9754 REG: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation: Knowledge Sharing and Services in Transport and Transport Facilitation (Phase 2) - Artificial Intelligence in the Transport Sector in Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Countries (E-048335-002)

1. Project objective

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

The flagship publication, jointly produced by CAREC Institute (CI) and ADB, aims to provide a

comprehensive assessment of the role of AI in enhancing transport in the CAREC region.

It seeks to

examine the current state of AI adoption across CAREC countries, including the status of digital

infrastructure, data ecosystems, and institutional readiness, and to assess how these factors

influence the application of AI in transport.

The study will review the current state of AI adoption and transport digitalization across CAREC

countries, including digital infrastructure, data ecosystems, institutional capacities, regulatory

frameworks, and broader enabling conditions.

It will also analyze global and regional experiences

in applying AI across transport subsectors and evaluate their relevance and applicability to the

CAREC context.

Particular attention will be given to identifying high-impact and practical AI applications that

can address priority transport challenges, enhance regional connectivity and corridor performance,

improve operational efficiency and safety, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and support more

sustainable and inclusive transport systems.

The study will also assess key risks and barriers to

AI adoption, including data access and quality limitations, institutional and skills gaps,

regulatory constraints, cybersecurity concerns, and cross-border interoperability challenges.

Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, the study will adopt a forward-looking

perspective by examining emerging AI technologies and their potential implications for the

transport sector over the next decade.

Based on this analysis, the study will provide strategic

recommendations and implementation pathways tailored to different levels of country readiness and

institutional capacity.

The study will generate actionable insights to support CAREC governments, regional institutions,

and development partners in making informed decisions on AI-related investments, policies, capacitybuilding initiatives, and pilot interventions.

Recommendations will be aligned with the CAREC

Transport Strategy 2030, the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda, and the CAREC Digital Strategy.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a desktop assessment of beneficial uses of

artificial intelligence in the transport sector relevant to the CAREC region and identify pathways

for their adoption based on individual country readiness.

The assessment will identify promising AI

applications, evaluate their applicability to regional contexts, and develop practical

recommendations for adoption.

The consultancy aims to produce actionable insights that member countries can use to make informed

decisions about AI technology or foundation capability investments and their implementation.

Through systematic analysis of leading global practices, regional context, and country-specific

circumstances, the review will establish a clear understanding of opportunities, prerequisites, and

implementation pathways for beneficial AI uses in transport.

Expected outcomes include an inventory of relevant AI applications in transport, assessment of

their applicability and readiness requirements for CAREC countries, identification of priority use

cases offering the greatest benefit-to-feasibility ratio, and development of a strategic roadmap

for progressive AI adoption.

Institutional capacities and regulatory enablers are to be included.

The assessment will particularly emphasize applications addressing road safety, asset management,

sustainable mobility, and improved service delivery to underserved populations.

Building on this analysis, the study will develop policy recommendations and actionable pathways

for CAREC countries and development partners.

These recommendations will be aligned with the CAREC

Transport Strategy 2030, the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda, and the CAREC Digital Strategy,

ensuring coherence with existing regional priorities.

The consulting team will undertake a comprehensive assessment encompassing leading global practices

in AI for transport and their potential application among CAREC countries.

The scope includes

systematic review of AI technologies, analysis of country readiness factors, and development of

strategic recommendations tailored to varying country circumstances and institutional capacities.

Expertise or Positions Needed

International

Team Leadership from International Experts

Expertise or Position Minimum inputs in PM Primary Place of Assignment

1 Team Leader: AI/ITS Specialist (International) 4 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment

2 Regional Transport Expert (International or National) 3 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment

3 Digital Infrastructure and Data Specialist (International) 2 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment

4 AI Policy and Governance Expert (International or National) 1.5 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment

5 AI Applications Analyst (International or National) 2 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment

National

Team Leadership from National Experts

Expertise or Position Minimum inputs in PM Primary Place of Assignment

No results found.

TOR Attachments

Title Type Description Category Last Updated By Last Updated Update Delete

Extraction covers only the accessible source. Linked TORs and later addenda are not verified unless their text has been retrieved; a missing field never means no requirement.