BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 25. Kazakhstan's
national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) transported
more than 19.5 million tons of coal from May through August 2026 in
preparation for the new heating season, KTZ's press service
reported.
Of the total volume, 18.3 million tons were delivered to thermal
power plants, while 1.2 million tons were transported for household
needs. The volumes are in line with the same period of the previous
heating season.
Coal transportation has been fully secured with rolling stock.
KTZ's subsidiary Kaztemirtrans operates 29,000 gondola cars,
including 18,500 used for coal transportation each month. During
peak periods, up to 3,000 additional gondola cars can be
deployed.
KTZ said there is currently no shortage of rolling stock.
The railway infrastructure is also being prepared for higher
transportation volumes. In 2026, track repairs are being carried
out along 1,577 kilometers, including 573 kilometers of major
repairs.
Several projects aimed at increasing the capacity of coal
transportation routes are also nearing completion, including
modernization of the Aksu-1 - Degelen, Kyzylzhar - Zhezkazgan and
Tobol - Kandyagash sections, as well as the extension of receiving
and departure tracks on the Moyynty - Zharik section.
The Karaganda-Sortirovochnaya station's classification yard is
also being modernized to increase its processing capacity.
"The main pressure on coal transportation is expected in
September-November, when around 3 million tons of coal, or 45% of
the annual household demand, are to be delivered. The peak is
expected in October, with transportation volumes reaching 1.1
million tons, equivalent to around 520 railcars per day - twice the
current loading level", the company said.
KTZ called on local authorities and regional operators to ensure
that coal is transported to consumers as much as possible before
the peak period.
