The construction of a new railway line Bakhty - Ayagoz with a length of 272 km has started in the Abay region. In general, this line will increase the throughput capacity between Kazakhstan and China from 28 to about 48 million tonnes, relieve the southern checkpoints and attract additional transit volumes. It is planned that the double-track railway will be operational in 2027.
The large-scale project will be realised with the participation of a private investor on the basis of PPP principles. The construction will include 11 stations, 47 bridges, 23 railway and 8 motorway viaducts, 5 pedestrian bridges and 16 lookouts. It is planned to purchase more than 500,000 units of sleepers and 36 tonnes of rails from domestic manufacturers. Local content is expected to be at least 85%.
The PM of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov noted that last year the country's railways transported the highest volume of cargo for 30 years of independence, which amounted to 245 billion tons/kilometre. This year, despite the geopolitical situation and infrastructure constraints, the high rates will be maintained.
"Over the past five years, the volume of transit container traffic has grown 3.2 times. Existing transit corridors are being developed and new ones are being opened. The Trans-Caspian, North-South and South corridors have become particularly important," says PM.
At the same time, throughput and infrastructure capacities have reached their peak. To address this strategic issue, it was decided to implement a number of infrastructure projects in the railway sector.
In November last year, work began on the construction of a second track on the Dostyk - Moyinty section. This year has seen the start of work on the new Almaty bypass and the Darbaza - Maktaaral line. In total, over 1300 km of railway will be built in the republic within three years.
