03.08.26

Kazakhstan has launched a major transportation project aimed at elevating its position as a key transit hub across Eurasia. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the strategic highway that will connect the regions of the Aral Sea and the Caspian Sea. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, participating via video conference from the Akorda Presidential Palace, officially inaugurated the construction of the Kyzylorda–Saksaul, Ulgaysyn–Saksaul, and Beyneu–Saksaul highway sections.

China–Europe Route to Be Shortened by 1,000 Kilometers

In his address, President Tokayev described the transport and logistics sector as the "locomotive" of Kazakhstan’s economic growth. He noted that the project includes the construction of an 800-kilometer highway that will directly connect border crossings with China to the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk.

"This project will shorten road freight transportation from China to Europe by approximately 1,000 kilometers, while reducing delivery times to as little as three days," Tokayev said, emphasizing the project's strategic importance for global trade.

New Name: "Aral–Caspian Highway"

President Tokayev stressed that the initiative goes beyond road construction, describing it as the creation of a new international transport corridor. He announced that the Beyneu–Saksaul route will henceforth be known as the "Aral–Caspian Highway."

According to the President, roads that were once considered isolated steppe routes will be transformed into one of Eurasia's most important transportation hubs.

10,000 Jobs and a Major Increase in Freight Capacity

The project will be implemented entirely by domestic companies. During the construction phase, more than 10,000 jobs are expected to be created. Once the highways become operational, annual freight traffic in the region is projected to increase 2.5 times, reaching 13.2 million tons. The large-scale logistics initiative, expected to significantly reshape global supply chains, is scheduled to be fully completed and operational by 2029 at the latest.

https://www.trtavaz.com.tr/haber/tur/turkistandan/aral-ile-hazar-birlesiyor/6a709d3d9831c04f34742ef4