In a stride towards enhancing Kazakhstan's transportation and transit capabilities, the construction of a new railway line bypassing the Almaty station has officially commenced in the Almaty region. This vital infrastructure project, aimed at reducing delivery times and alleviating the load on the Almaty railway station, is being implemented under the direction of the country's head of state. The laying ceremony of the inaugural link was attended by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.
Railway cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China reached unprecedented heights in 2022, exceeding 23 mn tons. In the first months of 2023, the volume increased by an additional 22%, putting immense pressure on the Almaty railway station, a critical intersection for international routes.
The newly initiated project will redirect cargo flow to the Zhetygen-Kazybek Bek railway, bypassing the Almaty station. This strategic maneuver is anticipated to decrease the load on the Almaty node by 40%, resulting in a significant reduction in the delivery time of goods.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov highlighted the dynamic growth observed on the transit corridor passing through the Altyngol-Khorgos border crossing in recent years.
"The implementation of this project will significantly reduce the delivery time of goods," he stated, emphasizing the positive impact on the movement of trains in multiple directions.
Moreover, Smailov emphasized a commitment to local involvement, with at least 85% local content in the project. The construction phase is expected to engage 1,400 people, and approximately 500 individuals will be employed during the operational phase. Local companies will contribute to the production of sleepers, rails, and transformers, as well as the supply of inert materials, sand, and crushed stone.
The construction process will involve laying 130 km of railway tracks, the establishment of three stations, the construction of 13 bridges, and the creation of five railway and one automobile overpass.
Honorary Railway Worker and Veteran of the Industry, Kaltay Sambetov, expressed enthusiasm about the commencement of the project, stating;
"This line is of great importance, as it will contribute to the development of the economy, growth, and prosperity of the country. This railway route will significantly increase the transit capabilities between Kazakhstan and China, Central Asia and Russia."
To ensure the uninterrupted export of domestic products and expand the transit of goods in Kazakhstan, ongoing efforts to develop railway infrastructure are evident. Plans include the construction of second tracks on the pretext - Moyynta route, as well as the initiation of the Darbaz-Maktaaral and Bakhta-Ayagoz railway lines with access to the third international joint with China. Over 1300 km of railways are set to be built within the next three years.
Kanat Almagambetov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of NK KTZh, emphasized the immediate benefits of the new railway line.
“Today we begin the construction of the railway line bypassing the Almaty node. It will accelerate the passage of transit goods by appointment to Central Asia, Europe, and ports of the Caspian Sea. This line is very necessary to unload the Almaty node, which has developed greatly recently. ," Kanat Almagambetov stated.
Currently, goods passing through the Almaty node experience delays of 1.5-2 days. The new railway line is expected to significantly improve the node's efficiency, aligning with the president's directives for the development of Kazakhstan's transport and logistics capabilities. Deputy Chairman Almagambetov expressed confidence that these efforts will create favorable conditions for the accelerated passage of goods throughout the republic.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)