Negotiations between the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan focused on significantly increasing rail freight traffic between the two countries. The parties discussed expanding capacity at key border crossings, which play a key role in regional logistics chains and transit.
Specifically, the number of trains passing through the Saryagash-Keles crossing is planned to increase from 36 to 40 pairs per day, representing an increase of approximately 11%. The most significant expansion is expected on the Oasis-Karakalpakstan route, where traffic volumes are expected to increase fivefold – from 2 to 10 trains daily. Additional growth will be provided by the opening of the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway section, after which the Pakhtaaral-Syrdarya crossing is also expected to reach 10 pairs of trains per day.
By the end of 2025, rail traffic between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will reach 32.3 million tonnes, a 16% increase compared to 2024. Experts note that further growth will require not only an increase in the number of trains but also the synchronization of customs and border services on both sides. While specific timelines for implementing these plans have not yet been announced, the current trend confirms the key role of rail in economic cooperation between the countries.