In a major development aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening the transport and transit potential of Kazakhstan, construction has commenced on a new railway line connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The ceremony for the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line, spanning 152 kilometers in the Turkestan region, was initiated via teleconference by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov.
This infrastructure project, executed at the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signifies a pivotal step in fostering economic development and strengthening ties between the two Central Asian nations. The project includes the establishment of a new checkpoint across the Kazakh-Uzbek state border, facilitating smoother cross-border transportation.
The need for this railway expansion arises from the escalating volume of cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, reaching 25.8 mn tons in 2023. The existing Saryagash - Tashkent route, particularly the Saryagash interstate docking station, has been operating at full capacity. The construction of the Darbaza-Maktaaral line aims to alleviate congestion by redirecting cargo traffic and boosting export capabilities toward Uzbekistan.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov highlighted the pivotal role of railways in the economic and social development of Kazakhstan, noting that the country achieved a record cargo transportation volume of over 245bn ton-kilometers in 2022. Anticipating a 16% increase, around 31 mn tons, in cargo transportation with Uzbekistan by year-end, he emphasized the strategic importance of the new railway project.
The Darbaza-Maktaaral line is a two-stage project. The first stage involves constructing the Erdaut-Maktaaral section, extending to the state border of Uzbekistan with access to the Syrdarya station. The second stage includes the commissioning of the Zhetysai branch, connecting to the same state border. The total length of the railway track will be 152 kilometers, requiring 19.700 tons of rails, 280.000 sets of reinforced concrete sleepers, and rail fastenings.
The project is expected to generate 3,400 jobs, with an impressive 85% share of Kazakhstani content. The Deputy Chairman of the Board of NC KTZ, Kanat Almagambetov, emphasized that the Darbaza-Maktaaral line will integrate two remote districts of the Turkestan region with the national railway network, fostering development in the region.
"Nine stations will be built. The railway will provide direct access for goods from Kazakhstan to these areas and vice versa. After construction, they will receive a new serious impetus," said Almagambetov.
Almagambetov also highlighted the positive impact on transit potential, anticipating faster cargo transit to Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the construction of a railway from Pakistan to India, with the Darbaza-Maktaaral line seen as a significant contribution to this strategic route. Predicting an additional 10-14 mn tons of cargo traffic initially, Almagambetov envisions a future increase to 20-25 mn tons, substantially enhancing regional trade.
This mega project is part of Kazakhstan's broader strategy to expand its transport and transit potential. Ongoing initiatives include the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk-Moyynty section and a new railway bypassing Almaty. Future plans involve a new railway line from Bakhty to Ayagoz, connecting to a third international junction with China, totaling over 1,300 kilometers of railways within three years.
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