The construction of a new railway line, connecting Bakhty to Ayagoz in the Abay region, was officially launched by Prime Minister Alihan Smailov of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This significant project falls within the framework of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiatives to enhance Kazakhstan’s transportation and transit capabilities. The construction of this new line also anticipates the opening of the third border crossing with China, Bakhty-Chuguchak.
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.
Prime Minister Smailov highlighted that Kazakhstan’s railways set a record last year by transporting the highest volume of goods in the last 30 years of the country’s independence, totaling 245 billion ton-kilometers. However, to address current strategic challenges, infrastructure projects are underway, including the construction of new railways and additional tracks. The construction of these new arteries not only contributes to increased transport capacities but also generates new job opportunities, stimulating the development of exports and transit in the region.
Image source: https://kazlogistics.kz/ru/news/new/1011