KTZ grain headquarters discusses export of new harvest in Kostanay and Kokshetau

21-09-2026

Field meetings of the KTZ Grain Headquarters were held in Kostanay and Kokshetau. The events were attended by shippers, traders, exporters, as well as representatives of Astyk Trans JSC, local akimats, the transport prosecutor's office, and phytosanitary services of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The participants discussed loading volumes, export routes, railcar availability, and the organization of the new harvest transportation.

From January to August 2026, 9.3 million tons of grain were transported across the KTZ network, which is 13% more than in the same period last year. Exports grew by 14% to 7.2 million tons, while domestic shipments increased by 8% to 2.1 million tons. In August, a record monthly volume of 1.2 million tons was achieved, marking a 35% increase compared to August 2025.

The Akmola region leads in loading volumes of the new harvest. Since the beginning of August, about 520,000 tons of grain have been shipped here. This accounts for 31% of the country's total loading volume of 1.7 million tons during this period.

From the Akmola region, 409,000 tons of grain were dispatched for export, and 111,000 tons were allocated for domestic routes. Thus, about 79% of the shipped grain is sent to foreign markets.

Since the start of the grain season, around 80 direct shuttle block trains have been dispatched from the region. Shuttle shipping reduces grain transit times by moving directly to the destination station without processing at technical sorting yards, thereby freeing up railcars faster for subsequent loadings.

The Kostanay region also remains one of the country's largest grain hubs. Over the first eight months of the year, more than 1.8 million tons of grain were loaded here. Over 1.4 million tons were sent for export, and 405,500 tons were moved domestically.

Uzbekistan continues to be the primary export destination, receiving 606,400 tons, which constitutes 43% of the grain exported from the region. Shipments were also sent to Russia (169,600 tons), Afghanistan (135,600 tons), Tajikistan (133,500 tons), and China (84,100 tons). Deliveries were additionally made to Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, and Turkmenistan.

KTZ is fully prepared to transport the new harvest. The active network fleet includes around 16,000 grain hoppers, over 17,800 boxcars, and 1,710 locomotives. Since the beginning of the year, the locomotive fleet has been expanded with 169 new units.

In September, maintenance operations continue on isolated sections. At the same time, the line capacity across most primary directions is being fully maintained or expanded.

To secure export volumes, specialized discount tariff structures are active across key international corridors. On the territory of Uzbekistan, a volume-based discount ranging from 30% to 50% is provided on the Keles–Galaba section. On the Keles–Khodzhadavlet and Karakalpakstan–Galaba sections, fixed discounts of 60% and 40% apply respectively.

Through the territory of Turkmenistan, route-dependent discounts between 30% and 50% are active. Along the Kigash–Samur direction through the territory of Russia, a 40% discount applies, and a 20% discount is available for shipments moving via the Kaliningrad Railway.

During the sessions, the participants reviewed the logistics setup, phytosanitary inspection protocols, and export scheduling workflows. KTZ representatives addressed inquiries raised by local shippers and grain exporters.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»