Kazakhstan's railway transport is moving to the new level: KTZ  and Wabtec is a partner at scale

26.09.2025 

Today, a press tour for journalists took place at the Wabtec plant in Astana, during which new locomotives and plans for long-term cooperation between NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC and Wabtec (USA) were presented.

Participants toured the production facilities and saw firsthand how Kazakhstan is confidently mastering the most advanced railway engineering technologies.

Asan Umbetov, Deputy General Director of KTZ-Freight Transportation, emphasized that this is not a one-time deal, but a strategic partnership that will provide the country with modern rolling stock and guaranteed service for decades to come. $4.2 billion is the total value of three contracts, which include:

• the purchase of 300 locomotives in 2027–2036 (30 units annually);
• an extension of the service contract for 405 previously purchased locomotives until 2058;
• full servicing of the acquired locomotives for a period of 18 years (until 2054);
• delivery of five KinetiX digital system kits for rolling stock accounting, monitoring, and diagnostics;
• overhaul of brake cylinders and compressors for 505 locomotives over three years;
• construction of social facilities for service center workers in remote regions.
   

The project will be financed by the company's own and borrowed funds. Service costs will be fully covered by KTZ's own revenues, without the need for loans.

Kazakhstan is becoming a key transport and logistics hub in Eurasia, serving as a hub for key routes between China, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. Transportation volumes have increased severalfold in recent years, and a modern and reliable locomotive fleet is needed to maintain competitiveness.

Existing diesel locomotives, built in the 1970s and 1980s, are gradually reaching the end of their service life and require replacement. The new TE33AT series locomotives offer clear advantages: reduced fuel consumption, improved traction characteristics, and a high level of reliability (up to 95% fleet availability). Furthermore, the locomotives offer enhanced comfort for locomotive crews (air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, and dry closet). Reliable performance is ensured even in challenging weather conditions thanks to a rail blower system and increased axle load.

The contract also includes the construction of social facilities for workers in remote regions where service centers are located. Kazakhstan is becoming a center for technical expertise and locomotive maintenance not only for the country but for all of Central Asia.
 

Wabtec, a company with over 100 years of history, has been operating in Kazakhstan for over 27 years. In 2009, the Locomotive Kurastyru Zauyty plant was launched in Astana, where the localization rate of production reaches 40%. It employs Kazakhstani specialists and is developing its own engineering school. In 2024, an engineering center for the entire CIS was opened at the plant. Today, seven Wabtec service centers operate in the country, providing jobs and supporting the domestic economy.

Educational projects are a particular source of pride. The plant collaborates with the Bolashak program, sending students for training and internships in the United States. Wabtec covers all travel and accommodation expenses, enabling the training of a new generation of world-class engineers and technologists.

Since its founding, LKZ has produced 675 locomotives for Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, 42 of which have been exported to the CIS and neighboring countries. The new contracts pave the way for further development of the industry, increasing the competitiveness of the national economy, and strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a key transport hub in Eurasia.

Modernization of the locomotive fleet will enable uninterrupted service of increasing freight traffic and, in turn, will provide a multiplier effect for the entire economy, as it will lead to the development of related industries, such as service industries, warehousing, and other services. This means new jobs for Kazakhstanis and additional taxes for the budget.

This deal is not just about new locomotives. It is an investment in the future, new technologies, jobs, and confidence that Kazakhstan is choosing a course for development and leadership.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»