The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at developing the country’s transit potential has begun in the Kostanay region. As part of the President’s instruction announced at the National Kurultai, preparatory work has begun on the construction of a new “Center-West” highway, which will connect Astana with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route via Arkalyk, Turgay and Irgiz. Transport Minister Marat Karabayev personally inspected the progress of the initial stage of the project.
The “Center-West” route will shorten the distance from Astana to the western regions by more than 560 km – from 1,438 to 865 km. The new highway will pass through 13 settlements, where about 70 thousand people live, and will provide transport accessibility for remote areas of the Akmola, Kostanay and Aktobe regions. It is expected that the road with a two-lane carriageway 8 meters wide will serve up to 3 thousand cars per day.
The second key project will be the restoration of Arkalyk airport. The development of design and estimate documentation is nearing completion, which includes the construction of a new terminal with an area of 3,200 m² and the repair of a 2.5 km runway. It is planned to launch subsidized flights to Astana, Kostanay and Almaty, as well as develop hunting tourism. The set of measures is aimed at strengthening the logistics infrastructure and increasing the international competitiveness of Kazakhstan.