Kazakhstan Builds Railway to China to Increase Freight Volume
PM Alikhan Smailov Launches Construction of Bakhty-Ayagoz Railway Line
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov officially commenced the construction of the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line via a teleconference on Dec. 21, marking a significant step towards boosting freight turnover between Kazakhstan and China. This 272-kilometer railway line in the Abai Region is anticipated to facilitate a 20 million ton increase in trade between the two countries, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
The initiation of this project is in line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to enhance Kazakhstan’s transport and transit potential. As part of this development, a third border crossing with China, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is set to open, which will foster increased trade and connectivity between the two countries.
The Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line is expected to significantly augment the throughput capacity between Kazakhstan and China, increasing it from 28 million tons to approximately 48 million tons. The initiative aims to alleviate congestion at southern checkpoints, attract additional transit volumes, and foster economic growth. The double-track railway is scheduled to be operational by 2027.
In a collaborative effort, a private investor will be involved in the large-scale project under public-private partnership (PPP) principles. The construction will include 11 stations, 47 bridges, 23 railways, eight road overpasses, five pedestrian bridges, and 16 observation structures. To support the project, over 500,000 units of sleepers and 36 tons of rails are planned to be procured from domestic manufacturers, with an emphasis on achieving at least 85% local content.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov emphasized the significance of this project amidst rising cargo transport. Despite geopolitical challenges and infrastructure constraints, Kazakhstan witnessed a historic high in cargo transport volume last year, reaching 245 billion tons per kilometer.
Recognizing the current peak in throughput and infrastructure capacities, the Prime Minister highlighted the strategic decision to implement various railway infrastructure projects, including the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk-Moyynty section, a new railway bypassing Almaty, and the Darbaza – Maktaaral railway line, collectively contributing over 1,300 kilometers of new railways within three years.
The positive economic impact of the Bakhty-Ayagoz project on the Abai region and the entire country was also highlighted by Alikhan Smailov. It is anticipated that job creation through construction activities and the subsequent establishment of unloading and loading points will provide opportunities for over 1,700 individuals.
Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national company, Kanat Almagambetov, emphasized the economic benefits of the new railway line, anticipating an increase in Kazakh exports and transit of goods between Russia and China. He highlighted that the double-track line’s capacity would immediately meet the demands of transit cargo, stimulating the development of adjacent territories.
