ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 23. The volume of transit cargo transportation by rail in Kazakhstan amounted to 27.4 million tons in 2023, which is 18 percent more than in 2022, Trend reports.
This was stated during an expanded board meeting at the Ministry of Transport, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar.
It was noted that in general, in the field of railway transport, the volume of cargo transportation in 2023 increased by 3 percent and amounted to 297 million tons.
Thus, 164.1 million tons (a decrease of 0.6 percent) were transported within the republic, 85.6 million tons (an increase of 9 percent) for export, 20.2 million tons (an increase of 10 percent) for import, 27.4 million tons for transit.
In addition, during the meeting, it was also noted that one of the important issues is the renewal of rolling stock. Last year, 506 units were purchased, including 113 locomotives, 275 freight railroad cars and 118 passenger railroad cars. Also, 1,443 km of the main railway network were repaired (overhaul - 557 km).
To note, the implementation of several large-scale projects began in the field of railway transport in Kazakhstan in 2023.
According to government data, the construction of a railway line bypassing the Almaty station (74 km) and the Darbaza - Maktaaral line (152 km) began in November. The first will shorten goods delivery time by 24 hours and alleviate the Almaty railway junction by 40 percent, while the second will enhance throughput in the direction of Central Asia by 10 million tons.
In addition, work on the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line, which will span 272 kilometers, began in December. The realization of this project will enhance freight turnover between Kazakhstan and China by 20 million tons.
In general, over the next 3 years, more than 1,300 km of new railways will be built in the country.