Kazakhstan’s New Railway Project to Enhance Connectivity
Turkistan Region Begins Construction of New 152-Kilometer Railway Line
The Turkistan Region has announced the commencement of construction for a new 152-kilometer railway line, Darbaza-Maktaaral, in an effort to expand capacity and enhance export and transit potential. Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov made the announcement during a Nov. 27 teleconference, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
The new railway line will also establish a new checkpoint along the Kazakh-Uzbek state border, further contributing to regional connectivity and trade.
The project will be completed in two stages, with the first stage involving the construction of the Yerdaut-Maktaaral section and the second stage including the Zhetysai branch, connecting both lines with access to the Syrdarya station.
According to Kanat Almagambetov, the deputy chairman of the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national railway company, the Darbaza-Maktaaral line will create direct access to goods and provide a major boost to the development of remote districts in the Turkistan Region.
The new railway line is expected to significantly increase Kazakhstan’s transit potential, expediting cargo movement to Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It will also alleviate congestion on the Saryagash-Tashkent section, allowing for smoother transportation of cargo and passenger trains.
As part of a larger strategic vision, the project is also expected to contribute to the construction of a railway from Pakistan to India, with potential projections indicating a substantial increase in cargo traffic and transportation volumes.
The project, which is being implemented on the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is estimated to generate 3,400 jobs, with 85% of the content sourced from Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh government is also working on several other railway infrastructure projects, including the construction of second tracks on the Dostyk-Moiynty section and a new railway bypassing Almaty. Additionally, plans are underway to commence work on the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line, connecting to the third international junction with China. In total, Kazakhstan aims to build over 1,300 kilometers of railways over the next three years.
The new railway line represents a significant step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in Kazakhstan and fostering increased connectivity and trade opportunities in the region.
