Theft of track superstructure materials has become more frequent on Kazakhstan's railways

29.11.2024

In recent months, an alarming trend has been observed in Kazakhstan: cases of theft of track superstructure materials have become more frequent, which threatens the safety of trains and people's lives. Since the beginning of 2024, more than 10 cases have been recorded related to the theft of track superstructure materials on operating railways. These actions could lead to derailments, accidents and crashes of rolling stock, as well as cause serious harm to passengers and railway workers.

Among the most high-profile cases is the theft of 77 sets of butt plates and bolts on March 27 and 31, 2024 on the Shymkent-Arys section, as well as the theft of 125 rail pads and butt plates on April 1 and 5 on the Pavlodar-Ekibastuz section. In April and June, 20 butt plates, 56 butt bolts and 103 fasteners were stolen on the Taraz-Tulkubas section. In July, 430 anti-theft devices disappeared from the tracks in the Kostanay-Tobol area.

However, the most large-scale incident occurred on November 3 on the Otar-Chilbastau section, when unknown persons stole 2,726 rail fasteners. At the end of November, thefts were recorded on the Karaganda-Sortirovochnaya-Astana section, where diagnostic tools revealed the absence of 635 rail fasteners. Each of these incidents poses a serious threat to rail transport.

Thanks to the prompt measures of railway workers, it was possible to ensure the safe passage of trains. To prevent further thefts and minimize risks, security measures were strengthened: the frequency of patrols and detours of railway tracks was increased. In turn, official letters have been sent to law enforcement agencies on all cases of theft in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.

KTZ calls on citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities near railway tracks. Theft of such materials is not only an economic crime, but also a serious threat to the entire infrastructure and safety of railway traffic.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»