24.02.26
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan plan to double the volume of rail freight transportation between the two countries. This is expected to be achieved by synchronizing the operations of border railway hubs, the Kapital.kz business information center reported, citing the press service of the Ministry of Transport.
The decision was made following a working visit by a joint delegation from both countries to key railway facilities along the border. The trip took place within the framework of previously reached agreements between the transport ministries to increase freight volumes to 60 million tons.
The delegation included heads of railway administrations, representatives of the Border Service, officials from the State Revenue Committee, as well as specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for phytosanitary and veterinary control.
During the visit, the delegation conducted a detailed inspection of the strategic Saryagash and Sirdarya junctions. These facilities are expected to become the main points for expanding capacity, enabling a significant increase in freight transport between the two countries.
The parties confirmed the priority of gradually expanding the capacity of interstate railway junctions. At the Saryagash junction, the number of trains per day will increase from 36 to 40 pairs, while at the Oasis junction capacity will grow fivefold to 10 train pairs per day.
Special attention is being given to the development of the Sirdarya junction. After the commissioning of the strategic Darbaza–Maktaaral railway section, capacity there will also reach 10 train pairs per day. This will provide the technical foundation necessary to achieve the target freight turnover of 60 million tons.
Earlier reports indicated that construction of the 152-kilometer Darbaza–Maktaaral railway line is expected to be completed in 2026. The project is being implemented within the framework of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation “Central Asia.” In addition, Kazakhstan plans to launch five cross-border logistics hubs within the next two years, according to Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev.
