17.02.26
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached an agreement on February 17, 2026, to significantly increase the volume of freight transportation by rail. This was announced following a meeting of the transport ministers of the two countries.
The meeting was held within the framework of implementing the instructions of the President of Kazakhstan to enhance the country’s transit potential and increase transit transportation to 55 million tons. The parties emphasized that railway connectivity has strategic importance for strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries, developing international transit, and reinforcing regional transport integration.
According to the results of 2025, 32.3 million tons of freight were transported by rail between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This represents a 16% increase compared to 2024. To ensure sustainable growth, the parties developed a joint action plan. The plan includes infrastructure development at the Saryagash, Oasis, and Syrdarya junctions, as well as completion of the Darbaza — Maktaral railway line.
In addition, issues such as coordinated implementation of infrastructure and maintenance works, improvement of control procedures, optimization of technological interaction, and increasing the efficiency of the transportation process were discussed. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in further increasing railway freight volumes and expanding cooperation.
