In Kazakhstan, large-scale transportation projects covering automotive, railway, air, and maritime transport are actively being implemented. The total volume of freight transportation has reached 895 million tons, accompanied by a 1.6-fold increase in industry investments to 1.8 trillion tenge.
The Aktau seaport has announced its impressive capacity to process up to 70,000 containers annually, meeting the needs of exporters, importers, and supporting transit cargo flow. It is anticipated that with the equipment upgrade scheduled for 2025, this figure will increase to 100,000 containers annually.
ÖBB-Infrastruktur, the infrastructure operator, has announced plans for the construction of a new railway line spanning 21.5 km, including a 16.2 km-long Flachgau tunnel. This route will pass beneath the town of Fischbach, nearing Salzburg, with a focus on minimizing the impact on the environment and wildlife listed in the Red Book.
Maersk has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) to lead the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama. The company plans to deploy its green methanol-powered container vessels with a capacity of 16,000 TEU, starting in 2024.
The Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, highlighted the positive economic impact expected from the construction of the “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan” railway during discussions with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov. Japarov emphasized the significant strategic collaboration between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, citing the railway project as a major transit infrastructure initiative that will contribute to the economic development of both nations.
Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, highlighted the pivotal role of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in connecting the entire Eurasian region during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Emphasizing the development focus on the North-South corridor, providing access to the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan, and India, President Tokayev welcomed the practical implementation of the Kazakh initiative to establish the Chelyabinsk – Bolasak – Iran route. Kazakhstan is prepared to upgrade key rail and road networks, including the Beineu – Mangystau, Makat – Kandagash railways, and the Beineu – Shalkar road section.
The main focus of the meeting was placed on emphasizing the importance of the Baku port as a key transit hub connecting Asia and Europe. Discussions revolved around current and future projects of the port aimed at transforming the Middle Corridor into a sustainable digital green corridor. The delegation also expressed interest in establishing mutually beneficial collaboration with Chinese companies in expanding logistics and port operations, taking into account the strategic geographical position of Azerbaijan and the infrastructure capabilities of the port.
The new terminal, established within the framework of the Kazakhstan-China logistics hub “One Belt, One Road” in Xi’an, has commenced operation in a testing phase, unlocking extensive opportunities for Kazakh agrarians and exporters. Direct cargo shipments have become more efficient, fostering the development of value-added chains in the agricultural sector and ensuring faster deliveries of agricultural products to global markets.
Uzbekistan has sought assistance from Qatar to advance the Trans-Afghan Railway project, as reported by Trend. The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Emphasizing bilateral cooperation, the discussions included strategies to enhance relations in the transportation and logistics sectors. Notably, Qatar has expressed full support for Uzbekistan’s Trans-Afghan Railway initiative. Uzbekistan Railways JSC presented the project to Qatar’s Ministry of Transport in October 2023, initiating talks on Qatar’s involvement in the project’s execution. The envisioned $5 billion corridor aims to connect Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Southeast Asian countries, facilitating transit of up to 20 million tons of cargo. The Termez-Mazar-I-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway road map, signed by the administrations of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in February 2021, underlines the collaborative effort to establish this vital transport link.
The Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line, spanning 272 km, is expected to increase the throughput capacity between Kazakhstan and China from 28 to around 48 million tons. The commissioning of the double-track railway is scheduled for 2027. The project will be implemented with the participation of a private investor under the principles of public-private partnership (PPP). It includes the construction of 11 stations, 47 bridges, 23 railway and 8 road viaducts, along with the establishment of a container hub.
