ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 20. Kazakhstan
Temir Zholy (KTZ) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japanese
company RIKEN KOGYO Inc. within the framework of the Central Asia
plus Japan Summit, Trend reports via KTZ.
Under the agreement, RIKEN KOGYO specialists will conduct a
detailed survey of the Koktuma–Razyezd 16 section, studying natural
and climatic conditions and proposing technical solutions to
install protective barriers. The measures aim to reduce the
longstanding impact of wind and snow drifts on train operations, an
issue that has lacked effective engineering solutions for nearly 30
years.
The collaboration will allow Kazakhstan to benefit from Japanese
expertise in railway infrastructure, enhancing transportation
safety and reliability. The KTZ delegation also participated in the
Central Asia + Japan Summit and Business Forum in Tokyo, holding
meetings with international partners to discuss further cooperation
in the transport sector.
The Koktuma–Razyezd 16 section is a critical segment of the
Dostyk–Moyinty railway, which serves as the primary gateway for
cargo moving between China and Europe.
This area is notorious for "Force 12" winds and massive snow
drifts that can bury tracks and derail operations. "Force 12" winds
represent the apex of the Beaufort Scale, denoting hurricane-force
phenomena characterized by velocities exceeding 64 knots (74+ mph /
119+ km/h). For nearly 30 years, these conditions have caused
significant delays at the Dostyk border crossing, where
temperatures regularly drop to -20°C with winds so strong they can
topple stacked containers.
This technical survey is part of the larger $2 billion project
to lay second tracks along the 836-kilometer Dostyk–Moyinty
section. Once completed, this upgrade is expected to increase the
line’s capacity fivefold, from 12 to 60 train pairs per day.
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