BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 5. The year 2025
proved to be a dynamic period for Kazakhstan’s transport sector.
While the country continued its large-scale modernization, the
focus remained on expanding infrastructure, increasing transit
capacity, and integrating more deeply into international transport
and logistics chains. Significant developments were observed across
railway, road, port, and aviation transport, driven by government
initiatives, private investment, and international cooperation.
1. Railway Transport
Railway transport continued to be a strategic priority for
Kazakhstan in 2025. The sector’s development is crucial not only
for national connectivity but also for enhancing the country’s role
as a transit hub between Europe and Asia.
On 30 September 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially
launched the second railway track on the Dostyk–Moyynty line,
connecting Kazakhstan with China via the Alashankou border
crossing. The new section will allow freight volumes to increase
fivefold and significantly reduce delivery times for export cargo.
This milestone strengthens Kazakhstan’s position within the
Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and provides
momentum for further development of the Trans-Kazakhstan railway
network.
At the same time, construction continued on several new railway
lines aimed at improving both national and cross-border
connectivity. These include the Moyynty–Kyzylzhar line (323 km),
the Darbaza–Maktaaral line (157 km), and the Ayagoz–Bakhty line
(297 km). Additionally, the 75 km Almaty railway bypass is nearing
completion and is expected to redistribute transit flows away from
the city, reduce congestion, and improve both environmental and
transport conditions in Almaty.
Significant investment in rolling stock was another highlight of
the year. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) signed a $4.2 billion
agreement with U.S.-based Wabtec for the supply of 300 TE33AT
diesel locomotives, including a 15-year service agreement covering
both new and existing locomotives.
In April 2025, the Ministry of Transport announced a planned
contract with Alstom for 205 six-axle KZ6A electric locomotives,
with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2036. May 2025 saw the
opening of Alstom’s first service depot in Shu, servicing KZ4 and
KZ8 electric locomotives.
In December 2025, Stadler Kazakhstan unveiled the first images
of a new economy-class railway carriage. The first domestically
produced railcars are expected to be delivered to Kazakhstan’s
Passenger Transportation Company by the end of 2025, with
deployment on routes in 2026. Stadler will maintain the fleet for
20 years, and the total order includes 557 carriages by 2030.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia agreed on a
single long-term tariff for freight along the Middle Corridor,
coupled with plans for joint modernization of port, railway, and
logistics infrastructure, digitalization of operations, and
elimination of bottlenecks.
2. Road Transport
The road sector also saw major developments in 2025. According
to the Ministry of Transport, 13,000 km of roads were repaired or
reconstructed during the year, reflecting a sustained government
effort to modernize national and cross-border infrastructure.
Among the key projects, the Aktobe-Karabutak-Ulgaysyn road
completed its first reconstruction stage (28 km, km 791–819),
opening to traffic on two lanes. This corridor links western and
central Kazakhstan and provides access to international routes
toward Russia.
In November 2025, the Kyzylorda–Zhezkazgan section (216 km) was
reopened, with 192 km fully reconstructed and 24 km subject to
medium repair. Although full commissioning was initially planned
for 2027, KazAvtoZhol intends to complete it by the end of
2026.
Progress was also recorded in eastern Kazakhstan, where the
Kalbatau-Maikapshagay road (415 km) was opened in Abai Region. On
14 November, the final 42 km section of the Uzyngash-Otar road was
inaugurated in Almaty Region, completing a fully four-lane corridor
between Almaty and Shymkent. In parallel, cross-border
infrastructure improved with two modernized checkpoints: Kazygurt
(Uzbekistan border) and Temir-Baba (Turkmenistan border).
These developments improve regional connectivity, enhance road
safety, shorten travel times, and support Kazakhstan’s position in
international trade routes. The Ministry of Transport confirmed
that in the coming year, large-scale medium repair of 10,000 km of
republican roads will continue, alongside other projects, including
a new bridge over the Irtysh River.
3. Ports and Maritime Transport
In 2025, Kazakhstan also made significant strides in developing
its port infrastructure. A major milestone was the completion of
the Container Hub at Aktau Port, the largest container hub in the
Caspian Sea, commissioned ahead of schedule. The project was
implemented by JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (through its
subsidiary JSC KTZ Express) in partnership with the port of
Lianyungang (PRC) and JSC NC Aktau International Sea Trade
Port.
The new hub is set to expand transit opportunities and
strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a key link on major
international routes, including East-West and North-South
corridors. The opening of the hub was highlighted by the arrival of
the 100,000th container from China via the Trans-Caspian
International Transport Route. The general contractor for the
project was the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC)
consortium, one of the largest infrastructure developers in
China.
At the same time, the ERSAI Industrial Port launched a major
dredging project at Kuryk Port, aimed at increasing water depth to
5 meters to ensure year-round navigation. The project involves the
removal of 1 million cubic meters of soil and is scheduled for
January-June 2026.
Developing port infrastructure is increasingly important,
especially as the Caspian Sea water levels continue to decline,
which prevents larger vessels from fully loading and navigating
certain ports. Expanding Kazakhstan’s port capacity is therefore
critical for maintaining smooth freight flows along the Middle
Corridor, supporting year-round operations, and enhancing the
country’s maritime logistics capabilities. These efforts ensure
Kazakhstan can meet growing regional and international trade
demands despite natural challenges.
4. Aviation Transport
In 2025, Kazakhstan’s aviation sector experienced remarkable
growth, characterized by the development of new airports,
significant infrastructure upgrades, and an expanded international
flight network. Notably, the country achieved a compliance rate of
95.7% with ICAO aviation security standards, placing it among the
top performers in the CIS and Eurasian regions.
Key infrastructure initiatives included the construction of
three new airports in resort areas, Zaysan, Katon-Karagay, and
Kenderli, alongside extensive renovations at Pavlodar, Balkhash,
and Arkalyk airports. These upgrades were designed to enhance
operational capacity and improve the quality of passenger services.
Additionally, major capital repairs were completed at Aktau
Airport, including the resurfacing of the runway, taxiways, and
apron, further strengthening the airport’s infrastructure.
In June 2025, the Kazakh government formalized an agreement with
the Kazakh-German joint venture Skyhansa to develop a cargo and
passenger airport within the Khorgos - Eastern Gate Special
Economic Zone (SEZ). The project, with a total investment of 250
billion tenge ($486.3 million), will be executed in three phases,
adhering to ICAO standards. A notable aspect of the project is its
commitment to utilizing predominantly domestic resources, with 90%
of the workforce expected to be Kazakh citizens. The first phase of
construction is slated for completion by 2027.
In 2025, Kazakhstan witnessed a significant expansion of its air
connectivity. SCAT Airlines inaugurated direct flights to several
major destinations, including Shanghai, Seoul, Cairo, Munich,
Budapest, and Bangkok (with a direct route from Shymkent to
Bangkok). Additionally, the airline launched its inaugural direct
flight from Shymkent to Tbilisi. Meanwhile, Air Astana introduced
new international routes, connecting Atyrau to Baku and Almaty to
Frankfurt, while Qazaq Air (Vietjet Qazaqstan) expanded its network
with new international services from Astana to Bishkek and
Samarkand.
In November 2025, Air Astana signed a landmark agreement with
Boeing for the acquisition of up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
This agreement builds upon a prior contract for three additional
Boeing 787-9 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and
2027. Following this new order, Air Astana’s fleet will grow to a
total of 18 Boeing 787-9s, with deliveries expected between 2032
and 2035. The combined value of the 18 Dreamliners, including
engines, is projected at $7 billion.
2025 marked a transformative year for Kazakhstan’s transport
sector, with substantial upgrades across railways, road networks,
ports, and aviation. These advancements have positioned Kazakhstan
as a critical hub for trade and transit across Eurasia, enhancing
both domestic and international connectivity.
These strategic investments are driving improvements in
operational efficiency, reducing both travel and shipping times,
and fostering stronger trade relations with neighboring countries
and beyond. Notably, the modernization of Kazakhstan's ports,
including the dredging initiative at Kuryk, is vital, particularly
as the declining Caspian Sea levels pose significant challenges to
regional navigation.
