Kazakhstan and China Railway Agree to Expand Cross-Border Freight and Infrastructure by 2026

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and China Railway have held their third high-level meeting in Beijing to strengthen rail cooperation. Talgat Aldabergenov, KTZ Chairman, and Guo Zhuxue, Chairman of China Railway, discussed plans to boost freight traffic and expand infrastructure projects. Both sides highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries' railway authorities.

The talks focused on increasing transportation volumes through key border crossings by 2026. These include Dostyk-Alashankou, Khorgos-Altynkol, and Azhbek-Alataw, where an additional 1,200 container trains are expected to operate. The Chinese side noted steady freight growth for 2025, reinforcing confidence in future expansion.

Infrastructure upgrades were also a priority. Plans involve building second tracks, expanding terminal capacities, and modernising railway sections. A third cross-border railway crossing at Bakhty-Tacheng was discussed, with attention to cargo volume forecasts and types of goods transported. Digitalisation and information sharing will play a bigger role in transport planning. The two sides agreed to enhance data exchange for smoother logistics management. They also identified key routes for joint container services, such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, China-Europe, China-Central Asia, and China-Russia corridors. Beyond freight, cultural ties were addressed. A proposal to launch a tourist train from China to Kazakh and Central Asian cities aims to strengthen people-to-people connections.

The meeting marked the third recent discussion between KTZ and China Railway, underlining their close collaboration. By 2026, rail traffic and freight volumes are set to rise, supported by infrastructure upgrades and digital improvements. The agreement also opens opportunities for tourism and deeper regional transport integration.