🚂 KTZ to Complete Railway Construction to China Two Years Ahead of Schedule  

Kazakhstan is actively developing its railway infrastructure to strengthen its export and transit capabilities. One of the key projects is the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk–Moyinty section. According to Nurlan Sauranbayev, Chairman of the Board of NC "KTZ," the construction is ahead of schedule and will be commissioned in the second half of 2025, two years earlier than originally planned. To date, over 700 kilometers of the planned 836 kilometers have already been laid. Preparatory work for new projects has also started, with construction set to begin in 2024.

 The focus has been on increasing the capacity of the railway network. At the Saryagash station, which facilitates freight flows to Central Asia, the daily exchange with Uzbekistan has increased from 24 to 36 trains. Additionally, modernization of junction points has commenced to optimize cross-border freight transportation.

 Special attention has been given to upgrading the rolling stock. According to the head of the company, the issue of locomotive shortages has been fully resolved, and the freight transport market is now supplied with sufficient wagons to meet the growing demand.

 Kazakhstan's strategic location at the crossroads of routes connecting China, Europe, Russia, India, and Arab countries provides significant transit potential. Transport and logistics operators have been assigned to all key routes, contributing to the steady growth of freight volumes. According to NC "KTZ," freight volumes in Kazakhstan increased by 1.4% in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching 210 million tons. Container transit grew by 7.5%, surpassing 1.155 million TEUs.

 In the long term, Kazakhstan plans to build 5,000 kilometers of new railway tracks and renovate 11,000 kilometers of the existing network by 2029. These efforts aim to further strengthen the country’s position as a critical transit hub in the global transportation system. The measures already implemented are yielding results, ensuring sustainable growth in freight traffic and enhancing Kazakhstan's competitiveness on the international stage.