In a move to bolster its transport-transit potential and enhance connectivity with China, Kazakhstan has officially commenced the construction of a new railway line spanning from Bakhty to Ayagoz, the official information source of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan reported. The ceremony was conducted through a teleconference, where Alikhan Smailov, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, marked the initiation of the project.
This strategic endeavor, covering a distance of 272 kilometers, is in response to the directive of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, aiming to amplify the transport-transit capabilities of Kazakhstan. As part of the project, a third border crossing with China, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is set to be established. The completion of the Bakhty - Ayagoz railway line is anticipated to increase the throughput capacity between Kazakhstan and China from 28 to approximately 48 mn tons, providing relief to southern checkpoints and attracting additional transit volumes. The double-track railroad is expected to be operational by 2027.
The project is a collaborative effort with a private investor on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) principles. The construction plan involves the creation of 11 stations, 47 bridges, 23 railroad, and 8 highway overpasses, along with 5 pedestrian bridges and 16 observation structures. With a commitment to promoting local industries, more than 500,000 units of sleepers and 36 tons of rails will be procured from domestic manufacturers, targeting a minimum local content of 85%.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov underscored that last year witnessed Kazakhstan's railroads transporting a record cargo volume in the 30 years since gaining independence, reaching 245 bn tons/kilometer. Despite geopolitical challenges and infrastructure constraints, high transportation rates have been sustained this year.
"Over the past five years, the volume of transit container transportation has grown 3.2 times. Existing transit corridors are being expanded, and new ones are being opened," Smailov stated.
Acknowledging the strain on throughput and infrastructure capacities, the government has embarked on a series of infrastructure projects in the railway industry. Initiatives include the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk - Moyinty section, a new railroad bypassing Almaty, and the Darbaza - Maktaaral railroad line. In total, over 1300 kilometers of railroads are slated for construction within the next three years.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these projects will not only create jobs for over 1,700 people but will also have a positive impact on the entire national economy. The Bakhty - Ayagoz project is expected to accelerate Kazakhstan's integration into the global transport system.
Kanat Almagambetov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of KTZ, anticipates that the new branch line will significantly increase Kazakhstan's exports and facilitate the transit of goods between Russia and China.
"It will be an additional inflow of transit cargo and an impetus to the development of our neighboring territories," He noted.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials from the Abay regional Akimat, the Ministry of Transportation, Samruk-Kazyna, KTZ, as well as current employees and veterans of the industry, marking a momentous step forward in Kazakhstan's commitment to expanding its transportation infrastructure and strengthening regional ties.
In a related development, Daryo earlier reported the initiation of construction on a new railway connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line, covering 152 kilometers in the Turkestan region, was launched through a teleconference led by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov. This project includes a new checkpoint along the Kazakh-Uzbek state border to streamline cross-border transportation. The expansion is crucial due to the rising volume of cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, reaching 25.8 mn tons in 2023. The Darbaza-Maktaaral line aims to alleviate congestion and enhance export capabilities towards Uzbekistan.
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