Kazakhstan fast-tracks rail upgrades to strengthen global trade role

Kazakhstan is accelerating efforts to overhaul its railway infrastructure in a bid to enhance efficiency and reinforce its role as a crucial Eurasian transit corridor, the government announced on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Transport, 5,000 km of railway lines will be modernised while an additional 11,000 km will undergo repairs by 2030. The plan includes five large-scale infrastructure projects, two of which are expected to be completed ahead of schedule this year.

The country's ambition aligns with a surge in expected transit volumes. Local outlet the Astana Times reported that freight volumes are projected to reach 67 million tons by 2029—more than double the 2024 figure.

To meet growing demand, Kazakhstan also plans to expand its fleet of locomotives and freight wagons. It currently operates 1,976 locomotives and 142,000 wagons, with further acquisitions planned by 2029.

The government is simultaneously investing in logistics terminals and advancing international agreements to boost the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a key corridor connecting China to Europe through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea.

This large-scale rail initiative is part of Kazakhstan's broader strategy to capitalise on shifting global trade dynamics and attract more cargo flows across its territory.

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