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Stadler Begins Production of Railcars for Kazakhstan’s National Railway in Astana

Serial production of passenger railcars for Kazakhstan's national rail carrier, Passenger Transportation JSC, has officially commenced in Astana. The project is being implemented at the Stadler Kazakhstan LLP plant as part of a broader initiative to modernize the country's railway sector. Contract for 557 Cars The initiative stems from a long-term agreement between Passenger Transportation JSC and Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler Rail AG. Under the terms of the contract, 557 passenger cars of various types, including compartment and platzkart models, generator cars, and specially adapted trains for passengers with disabilities, are to be produced by 2030. The first 51 units are scheduled to enter service in 2025. The contract also includes a 20-year maintenance commitment by the manufacturer, aimed at ensuring the reliability and longevity of the rolling stock. Full Production Cycle During a recent visit to the plant, representatives of Passenger Transportation JSC inspected the facilities and reviewed completed bodies of passenger and generator cars. More than 400 specialists are currently employed at the plant, the majority of whom are Kazakh nationals. The manufacturing process encompasses a complete production cycle, from body welding and painting to the assembly of electrical components, bogies, and interior fittings. Each railcar undergoes both static and dynamic testing before leaving the production line. In the past two years, the facility has undergone significant modernization and localization, including workforce training in advanced technologies. Comfort and Safety The new Stadler cars are designed with passenger comfort and safety in mind. Each compartment coach will offer 40 sleeping berths and feature air conditioning, video surveillance, electric heating, and an automated fire suppression system. Passengers will have access to electrical outlets and USB ports in each compartment. The railcars will sport a distinctive exterior in corporate blue, yellow, and white, while the interiors will be tailored to suit Kazakhstan’s climate and long-distance travel requirements. Swiss Quality in the Steppe Stadler Rail AG is a leading European rail manufacturer with over 80 years of experience and operations in 45 countries. Renowned for producing reliable and technologically advanced railcars suited to harsh climates, the company has supplied equipment to regions including Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally discussed the establishment of the Kazakh production facility with Stadler Chairman Peter Spuhler in December 2022. Located in Astana’s industrial park, the plant spans over 31,000 square meters and has an annual production capacity exceeding 100 railcars. The launch of serial production marks a pivotal step in overhauling Kazakhstan's railway infrastructure. Beyond replacing outdated rolling stock, the project fosters technological advancement, local job creation, and the strengthening of the domestic rail manufacturing sector.

Donation Locomotives Railways Transport

Kazakhstan Donates Five Locomotives to Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan has donated five locomotives to Kyrgyzstan as part of ongoing cooperation in transport infrastructure, the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) announced. Two shunting locomotives and three mainline locomotives were transferred free of charge to Kyrgyz Temir Jolu, Kyrgyzstan’s national railway company. The donation was facilitated by KazAID, which aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s regional ties through cooperation in transport, energy, and infrastructure. “This step demonstrates the continued successful implementation of official assistance, contributing to the development and strengthening of fraternal relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan,” said KazAID Chairman Arken Arystanov. The locomotives are expected to significantly enhance freight transportation and maneuverability on Kyrgyzstan’s railways, supporting the country’s economic growth and regional connectivity. Kyrgyzstan’s Railway Modernization Efforts Kyrgyzstan has recently taken key steps to modernize its railway infrastructure and expand regional transport links. Trans-Eurasian Route Project: In February 2025, Kyrgyzstan signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with U.S.-based consortium All American Rail Group Global Infrastructure Partner LLC for the construction of a $3 billion railway. The new east-west line will traverse Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain, connecting Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region with Makmal in Jalal-Abad. China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway: In December 2024, construction officially began on this 523-kilometer railway, designed to serve as a key east- west trade corridor. The project will link China, Central Asia, the Middle East (including Turkey, and the European Union.) Kazakhstan’s locomotive donation aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to enhance regional transport infrastructure, strengthening economic ties and facilitating greater trade opportunities.

Railways internet access public transport Infrastructure Development Transport

Satellite Internet Now Available on Astana-Almaty Train in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company, has launched a pilot project to provide satellite Internet access on its trains. The new service debuted on January 25 aboard the train connecting the capital, Astana, with the country's largest city, Almaty. Covering a 17-hour journey, the Astana-Almaty train route is one of the most popular in Kazakhstan. Using satellite technology, passengers can now access apps such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and other video-hosting platforms throughout their trip. However, access to torrent sites and platforms enabling streaming downloads will be restricted. The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, the Ministry of Transport, and Jusan Mobile, the official distributor of Eutelsat-OneWeb in Kazakhstan. Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, described the project as a milestone for digitalizing the country's transportation network. “The launch of this pilot project on the KTZ train using the low-orbit satellite constellation Eutelsat-OneWeb is an important event in the digitalization of transport,” Madiyev stated. “Thanks to cooperation with partners, we have demonstrated that even in challenging conditions, it is possible to provide passengers with high-speed (50-100 Mbps) and stable internet. This achievement paves the way for further digital transformation in Kazakhstan and enhances travel comfort for our citizens.” The pilot project also includes the introduction of several technological upgrades to improve the passenger experience. Mobile terminals for conductors have been deployed to facilitate quick ticket verification, while POS terminals allow for cashless payments in the dining car. Additionally, video surveillance systems have been installed to enhance security in railcars. According to Anuar Akhmetzhanov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Passenger Transportation, the introduction of satellite internet is a key step in modernizing passenger services. He added that in the future, satellite internet access will be expanded to trains operating on other major routes. Currently, internet access on Kazakh trains is available only when trains travel near cities and villages with cellular network coverage. For the vast stretches of railway running across Kazakhstan’s expansive steppes - often far from human habitation - connectivity has traditionally been unavailable. The adoption of satellite internet technology addresses this gap and ensures seamless connectivity even in remote areas. For a country as large as Kazakhstan - it is the ninth largest in the world - railways remain a vital mode of transportation. In 2024, KTZ transported 13.6 million passengers, with the Astana-Almaty, Astana-Shymkent, Almaty-Shymkent, Astana-Semey, and Almaty-Semey routes being the most popular.

Economic Growth International transport Eurasian Transport Network Western Europe-Western China. Railways Rail Corridor

Kazakhstan-China Railway Cargo Transportation Reaches Record High in 2024

In 2024, railway cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China exceeded 32 million tons, achieving an all-time high, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport. Kazakhstan’s rail exports to China grew by 1 million tons, totaling 13.7 million tons. Key export commodities included iron and non-ferrous ore, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and grain. Meanwhile, Chinese transit cargo passing through Kazakhstan increased by 19%, reaching 15.3 million tons. Additionally, containerized Chinese cargo transiting to Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) recorded significant growth, rising by 43% compared to 2023. One of the main drivers of this record-breaking performance was the opening of a Kazakh terminal at the dry port in Xi’an, China. In 2024, more than 300 container trains passed through this terminal and the Kazakh Caspian port of Aktau, an astonishing thirtyfold increase from 2023. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, has expanded its terminal network. Currently, Kazakhstan operates five major terminals: The port of Lianyungang (China), The dry port in Xi’an (China), Dostyk railway station (Kazakhstan), The Khorgos Gateway dry port (Kazakhstan), and The ferry complex at the Caspian port of Kuryk (Kazakhstan). Kazakhstan has announced plans to add nine additional terminals over the next two years, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a vital hub for transcontinental trade. Several terminal construction projects began in 2024, including: Almaty, Kazakhstan: A logistics hub aimed at strengthening domestic cargo-handling capacity. Azerbaijani port of Alat: A joint project involving Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and China to establish a cargo terminal in Baku. Budapest, Hungary: A terminal in Hungary’s capital designed to expand Kazakhstan’s trade network in Europe. Selyatino, Russia: A facility near Moscow to support rail cargo transportation between Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. Additionally, and in collaboration with China’s port of Lianyungang, Kazakhstan has begun constructing a container hub at the Caspian port of Aktau. Kazakhstan’s expanding railway infrastructure will solidify its role as a key logistics hub connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe. With continued investment in terminal networks and partnerships with regional and global stakeholders, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to further enhance its trade capacity and meet the growing demand for transcontinental cargo transportation.

TITR Railways railroads North-South transport corridor Eurasian Transport Network EAEU Infrastructure Development

Building Bridges Across Eurasia: Kazakhstan’s Strategic Push for Transport Integration

The development of the economic systems of Europe and Asia is outpacing the level and pace of integration in the transportation systems of the countries located between them. This problem can be solved by creating an overland chain across the entire Eurasian space. As part of the development of its transit potential, Kazakhstan has started to form the backbone of such a terminal network. All work on creating transport networks has been entrusted to the national company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), which plans to integrate all modes of transport to offer a comprehensive range of client services under a 'one-stop-shop' principle and enhance international operations. Establishing a terminal network outside of the republic will improve freight logistics and help build efficient supply chains. This decision is driven by market demands for cargo delivery, which go beyond mere transportation needs and require the provision of a comprehensive transportation product by a single logistics operator. Where Cargo Flows Begin Developing cooperation with China plays a crucial role in integrating Eurasian transport space. In 2023 alone, transit freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China reached a record 28.3 million tons. This success was partially due to the development of a terminal network in China - the Kazakhstan-China logistics terminal in the Pacific port of Lianyungang has been operating for ten years, and the largest dry port in Central Asia, Khorgos – Eastern Gate, operates on the border. The transport system between these two ports facilitates the delivery of goods from China's eastern coast to Europe via the Caspian Sea, ensuring the shortest delivery times. Adding the new Kazakh terminal in Xi'an to this transport chain has optimized logistics processes and boosted transportation performance. In the first eight months of 2024, container transit from China along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased 20-fold thanks to the freight terminal in Xi'an, a project was implemented in partnership with the Chinese company, Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation. Focusing on EAEU Transport Potential Significant steps have been taken to harness the transport potential of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries. In April, construction began on a new terminal at the Selyatino station near Moscow. A trilateral Kazakhstan-Russia-China agreement on creating the CRK Terminal transport and logistics center has been signed by KTZ, SlavtransService, and Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation. This logistics hub, based in one of the largest dry ports in Selyatino, will develop direct transport links between Xi'an, Russia, and other countries. Its launch is expected this year. Additionally, in the fall of 2024, KTZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese and Belarusian partners to build a new logistics terminal in the Belarusian city of Svisloch. Caspian Priority To further integrate Kazakhstan into the key Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) plans are underway to create an inter-modal freight terminal in Azerbaijan's Alyat port. An agreement for the project's implementation has been signed between SK-AIH Investment Fund Ltd, KTZ, Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC, and Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and...

China International transport Railways China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway New rail routes

Long-Awaited Construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Officially Launched

On December 27, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China, Zheng Shanjie, and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev participated in a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The event occurred in the village of Tosh-Kutchu in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region, where they laid the first stone for this significant regional transportation project. Speaking at the ceremony, President Japarov highlighted the importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as more than just a transportation route, describing it as a critical strategic bridge linking the East and West. "This route will ensure the delivery of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan, as well as to the countries of Central Asia and the Middle East, including Turkey, and on to the European Union. The project will strengthen interregional ties, help diversify transport routes and increase the competitiveness of the region as an international transport and transit hub, which is in line with the goals of the Central Asian countries," Japarov said. Zheng Shanjie delivered a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting that the new land corridor connecting Asia and Europe will significantly increase the flow of people and trade among the three countries. According to the message, the project is expected to drive regional prosperity by fostering industrial and resource development, boosting trade, and attracting investment. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in an address read by Deputy Prime Minister Khodjayev, called the launch of railway construction a historic milestone that the three nations had been working toward for nearly 30 years. The Uzbek leader noted that the new transportation artery, which will establish the shortest land route connecting Central Asia and China, will strengthen the strategic partnership between the three nations. The 523-kilometer railway will traverse Kashgar (China), Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad (Kyrgyzstan), and Andijan (Uzbekistan). Once completed, the railway is expected to handle up to 15 million tons of cargo annually. Currently, neither Kyrgyzstan nor Uzbekistan has a direct railway connection to China. Central Asia’s rail link to China is limited to a route through Kazakhstan, leaving Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan without a direct connection.