Kazakhstan's freight traffic increased by 3.5% over the first 10 months of this year, totaling 263.4mn tons, with domestic freight rising by 9.7% to 156.2mn tons, while transit traffic remained steady at 22.4mn tons, according to the Ministry of Transport, This growth comes as Kazakhstan continues to modernize its transport and logistics sector.
At a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the progress and future plans for developing the railway industry were reviewed. The meeting featured reports from Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev and Nurlan Sauranbayev, Chairman of the Board of NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).
In line with the president's directives for the development of Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics industry, the country has undertaken significant infrastructure projects. Since last year, over 2,800 kilometers of railways have been repaired, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the national rail network.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, the rolling stock is also being modernized. This year, KTZ has purchased 185 locomotives and 143 passenger carriages. By 2028, the fleet of passenger cars is expected to exceed 3,000 units, fully meeting the country's needs.
Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to modernize the railway industry, with a focus on upgrading railway stations and infrastructure. About 90% of the country's stations are in need of repair, and addressing this is a key priority for the government.
The Prime Minister also reiterated Kazakhstan's ambition to become a leading transport and logistics hub in the region. The modernization of existing railways, the construction of new logistics centers, and the expansion of rolling stock are all crucial steps toward achieving this goal. By 2029, Kazakhstan aims to increase transit traffic from 28mn tons to 45mn tons, including handling 2mn twenty-foot containers.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the government is focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's transport routes along international corridors. Prime Minister Bektenov called for the completion of all procedures to provide high-quality and timely public services at border points. The integration of tax and railway information systems has already been completed to streamline these processes.
Recognizing the challenges faced by private carriers, the government has tasked the Ministry of Transport and KTZ with developing mechanisms to support the modernization of rolling stock. There is also an emphasis on expanding the Aktau port infrastructure to improve rail freight handling and bolster Kazakhstan’s sea transportation capabilities.
The Ministry of Transport and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy are expected to complete the construction of a new container hub and dredging work at the port by 2025. These efforts will further enhance Kazakhstan’s position in the global transport and logistics market.
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