Railcar procurement in Kazakhstan by 2029 will expand freight capacity and strengthen the country’s position in regional transport logistics. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Railcar procurement in Kazakhstan by 2029 will expand freight capacity and strengthen the country’s position in regional transport logistics
Photo: Ministry of Transport and major rail operators

Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev announced that by the end of 2029, Kazakh operators will purchase over 7,000 new railcars. He emphasized that upgrading the rolling stock will enhance the country’s transit potential.

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Currently, the locomotive fleet includes 1,967 units, but an additional 456 locomotives are planned for purchase in the coming years. Domestic plants and the Chinese company CRRC will handle the supply contracts.

Railcar Procurement and Locomotive Fleet Modernization

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed that upgrading the rolling stock is critical. He instructed industry leaders to accelerate the modernization of passenger cars, noting that many units no longer meet modern safety standards.

In 2024, Kazakhstan’s manufacturing plants produced 125 locomotives and more than 2,700 freight railcars. These results demonstrate the high production capacity of the national industry and its readiness to scale up output.

Railcar Procurement as a Strategic Move for the Economy

During the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector grew by 11.1%, while transport engineering rose by 7.1%. Experts note that updating railcars and locomotives will speed up freight delivery and improve overall logistics efficiency.

Partnerships with CRRC and domestic producers will also help introduce advanced technologies. This will open opportunities for export expansion and enhance Kazakhstan’s competitiveness on international routes, including connections with China, Russia, and Central Asian countries.

Moreover, modernizing the rail fleet will act as a key driver of economic growth by creating jobs and boosting industrial capacity.

What does large-scale railcar procurement mean for Kazakhstan?

It will increase freight volumes, improve logistics quality, and strengthen the country’s position in the regional transport system.

When will the delivery of new locomotives and railcars begin?

Initial deliveries have already started, with the full modernization program expected to be completed by the end of 2029.

Can the progress of railcar procurement be tracked online?

Yes, regular updates and progress reports are published on the official websites of the Ministry of Transport and major rail operators.

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