Kazakhstan Launches $2.9 Billion Railway Projects: New Lines, Transit Acceleration, and Station Decongestion

Kazakhstan plans to implement four large-scale railway projects totaling $2.9 billion, aimed at transforming the country into a major transportation and logistics hub, according to Railway Supply news portal, citing LS Aqparat.

The first project involves constructing a 272-kilometer railway line from Bakhty to Ayagoz.

LLC «MLRP» Presents the Upgraded TEM2U Locomotive: Modernization for Maximum Efficiency

This route will alleviate congestion at the border stations Dostyk and Altynkol. The project will require an investment of 577.5 billion tenge (approximately $1.217 billion), with partial funding provided by the Eurasian Development Bank.

The second project entails laying second tracks on the Dostyk-Moyynty section, also 272 kilometers long. This project will increase transit volumes between China and Europe, enhance capacity fivefold, and accelerate shipments to 1,500 kilometers per day, representing an 87.5% increase. The project’s cost is 543 billion tenge (about $1.145 billion), with financing through the National Fund by purchasing bonds from the Samruk-Kazyna Fund.

The third project involves constructing a 106-kilometer railway line from Darbaza to Maktaaral, connecting Kazakhstan with Uzbekistan. This new route will ease congestion at the Saryagash station, link the Maktaaral district with the main railway network, and provide access to the markets of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The project is estimated at 162 billion tenge (around $341 million), with funding from the National Fund through a 30-year loan at 0.1% annual interest from the Samruk-Kazyna Fund.

The fourth project is a 74-kilometer bypass railway line around Almaty. This solution will help reduce the Almaty transport hub’s congestion by 40% and cut cargo delivery times by 24 hours. The project’s cost is 94 billion tenge (approximately $198 million).

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Thailand Completes Construction of Second Track on Southern Mainline: Increased Railway Safety and Capacity