Freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China increased over the first nine months of this year

20-10-2026

The 35th regular meeting of the joint border railway commissions between Kazakhstan and the PRC is currently taking place in China. The Kazakh delegation is led by Marat Shakenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of KTZ, while the Chinese delegation is headed by Guo Jian, Chairman of the Board of Urumqi Railway LLC.

During the meeting, the participants reviewed transportation performance results and discussed joint operational plans for 2027.

Over the first nine months of 2026, the volume of freight traffic through Kazakh-Chinese border crossings reached 28.4 million tons. This represents an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. A total of 17.6 million tons (+9%) was transported from Kazakhstan to China, and 10.8 million tons (+8%) from China to Kazakhstan.

In 2025, the total transportation volume reached 35.6 million tons, an 11% increase compared to 2024. This included 22.2 million tons shipped from Kazakhstan to China and 13.4 million tons in the reverse direction.

For 2027, the Kazakh side proposes setting the target transportation volume at 42.3 million tons, including 26.8 million tons from Kazakhstan to China and 15.5 million tons from China to Kazakhstan.

To increase capacity, KTZ has implemented a number of infrastructure projects. Second tracks were constructed on the Moiynty – Dostyk section, and the Zhelygan – Kazbek-Bek bypass line was built to circumvent the Almaty hub. On the Zhelygan – Altynkol section, five separate stations (passing loops) were opened, and second tracks were built on two stretches. Additionally, eight yard tracks and four additional narrow-gauge tracks were constructed at the Altynköl station.

For further traffic growth, synchronous development of the railway infrastructure of both countries is required. The parties will also consider measures to ensure the uninterrupted operation of border crossings and to increase the transportation of agricultural cargo.

As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation visited the Wuxi – Urumqi West station, a high-speed train locomotive depot, and the Urumqi railway station.

Following the meeting, the parties will sign a protocol.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»