Kazakhstan is making significant strides in enhancing its role on the New Silk Road, with ambitious railway expansion plans in the works. The country is doubling the Moyynty-Dostyk railway, a critical route for trains connecting China and Europe. This expansion, set to be completed in 2025, is expected to increase capacity fivefold, according to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company.
The project involves the production of key components in Kazakhstan, which are then transported to assembly bases in Zharyk, Aktogay, Orta-Deresin, and Zhaksybulak. Here, rail and sleeper gratings are assembled using railway cranes. Once the foundation of the rail sections is ready, the finished components will be delivered to the laying sites. Currently, 170 kilometers of the total 836-kilometer Moyynty-Dostyk railway have been prepared for track laying.
The Dostyk-Alashankou rail border crossing is vital for the flow of trains between China and Europe. Currently, this border crossing operates under restricted conditions, with trains rerouted through the Altyinkol-Khorgos rail border crossing for transport between China and various Central Asian countries. The expansion of the Moyynty-Dostyk railway is expected to significantly boost capacity and alleviate congestion at this border crossing.
KTZ is also exploring additional opportunities in collaboration with the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). A new railway connecting Kazakhstan to the Chinese border, from Ayagoz to Bakhty, is under consideration. This potential railway would create a third rail border crossing between Kazakhstan and China, further facilitating trade and transportation along the New Silk Road. The EDB has expressed its readiness to finance feasibility studies for this project through its Technical Assistance Fund.
Kazakhstan has been a key recipient of investment from the Eurasian Development Bank, with over €5bn invested in 104 projects. These developments reflect Kazakhstan's commitment to strengthening its position as a vital hub along the New Silk Road, promoting trade and connectivity between Europe and Asia.
The discussions surrounding Kazakhstan's role in the Silk Road will be extended to the European Silk Road Summit 2023. The event, scheduled for November 29-30 and December 1, 2023, in Budapest, Hungary, will provide a platform for further exploration of Kazakhstan's contributions to this vital trade route. It promises to be an important gathering for stakeholders interested in the future of Eurasian trade and transportation.
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