28.11.2025, 13:36
Over 2,500 Wagons: KTZ Reports Critical Volume of Idle Rolling Stock
Railway Bottleneck: Thousands of Idle Wagons Stall Grain Exports
During the first ten days of November, more than 2,500 units of rolling stock were simultaneously idle.
According to JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ), the notable increase in non-operational wagons has become a serious factor limiting the throughput capacity of stations. Of the total number of idle units, approximately 1,500 are empty wagons, while about 500 are loaded.
The company emphasizes that the reasons for the prolonged downtime are not related to the infrastructure or the operations of the national carrier. An excess of immobile wagons complicates the reception and dispatch of trains, reduces speed on railway sections, and increases the turnaround time of rolling stock.
To stabilize the situation, KTZ has appealed to shippers and consignees with a request to accelerate unloading and clear the tracks, as well as to prepare loading fronts in a timely manner.
This problem hits the industry at a time when the start of the new grain season is already accompanied by logistical difficulties. In recent weeks, restrictions and conventions have been regularly introduced in the direction of traditional export markets, which further complicates the work of market participants.
Against the backdrop of increasing load, KTZ is negotiating with China and Uzbekistan to expand the acceptance of trains in order to reduce pressure on junction sections and ensure a more stable movement schedule.