KTZ is implementing a large-scale program to build and modernize its main railway network

13-11-2025

A media meeting with Marat Iskaliyev, Managing Director for Construction at  NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, was held on the Burabay Express electric train. During the trip, the implementation of KTZ's infrastructure projects and the station modernization program were discussed.

The speaker noted that by 2020, the main railway network had depreciated by 57%, and stations and infrastructure facilities were in poor condition. Today, NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC is investing significant resources in the restoration, modernization, and construction of new railways.

At the instruction of the Head of State, the Program for the Development of the Main Railway Network until 2029 is being implemented, which includes the construction and modernization of 5,000 kilometers of track, as well as the repair of 11,000 kilometers of existing lines. Work is proceeding on schedule.

"Since independence, up until 2024, approximately 2,500 kilometers of new railways have been built in the country. Moreover, in the next three to four years, we plan to build and modernize twice as many," emphasized Marat Iskaliyev.

One of the largest projects is the construction of second tracks on the 836-kilometer Dostyk-Moiynty section. The work is being completed two years ahead of schedule. On September 30, service officially opened on the second tracks along the entire line from Dostyk to Moiynty.

As part of the project, more than 380 engineering structures have been built, including 92 bridges, 261 culverts, 28 overpasses, and other facilities. The project will increase the section's capacity fivefold and open up additional opportunities for freight transit to and from China. In the first month of operation, 647 freight trains and 235 container trains have already traveled on the new tracks.

The project marks the first link in the development of the Trans-Kazakhstan Railway Corridor, strengthening Kazakhstan's role on the China-Europe route.

This year, the new Zhetygen-Kazybek Bek bypass railway line is scheduled to begin operations, reducing congestion at the Almaty railway hub by 40% and reducing freight delivery times to 24 hours. Domestic companies and contractors are involved in the construction.

In the Turkestan region, construction continues on the Darbaza-Maktaaral line, which will provide direct rail links from the southern regions to Kazakhstan's main network and will help redistribute transit flows from Russia and China to Central Asian countries, as well as relieve congestion at Saryagash station. The project will create 3,400 temporary jobs during construction and 500 permanent ones after commissioning in 2026.

Construction also continues on the Bakhty-Ayagoz line (297 km), which will open a third rail link with China. The project will increase the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's transport system, reduce freight delivery distances to northern regions and Russia by 320 km, and provide additional impetus to the development of the Abay region. Once operational, 1,200 people will be provided with permanent employment.

Construction of the Moiynty-Kyzylzhar line (323 km) began in May of this year. The project will reduce the route length by 149 km, relieve congestion on the congested Moiynty-Zharyk section, and reroute up to 30 pairs of trains. Its implementation will have a positive impact on the economic development of the Karaganda and Ulytau regions.

NC KTZ JSC is also implementing a large-scale reconstruction program for 124 railway stations across the country. Work is currently underway at 119 sites, with modernization of 80 stations scheduled for completion by 2025. The projects are being implemented with the participation of local contractors recommended by regional akimats (governments), under the supervision of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Samruk-Kazyna Fund.

Implementation of the backbone network development program will strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a transit bridge between Asia and Europe, create thousands of jobs, ensure regional economic growth, and increase the country's transport independence.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»