Kazakhstan races to modernize railways with 20,000 new freight cars by 2030

Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets for modernising its railway fleet by 2030. The government aims to update most of its passenger and freight transport while addressing current performance gaps. The country plans to buy around 20,000 new freight cars and 754 additional locomotives within the next six years. It also intends to renew 90% of its passenger fleet, with 746 new passenger cars already scheduled for delivery.

Wear on mainline locomotives has already improved, dropping from 66% to 58%. In the passenger sector, the reduction has been even sharper, falling from 46% to 36% over five years. Kazakhstan has also resolved its shortage of traction rolling stock.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed KTZ Chairman Talgat Aldybergenov to meet approved targets on time. One key goal is to increase transit shipments to 55 million tons. However, KTZ has so far transported only 16 million tons, falling short of its 23 million-ton target. The railway modernisation push includes new rolling stock and performance improvements. Meeting transit shipment goals remains a priority for KTZ under the prime minister’s directives. Progress in reducing wear and resolving stock shortages shows early signs of success.