Kazakhstan's national railway operator KTZ reported a 7.3% rise in network handling volumes for January 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to company data published 11 February. The increase reflects growing freight demand across the country's rail corridor, which serves as a key transit link for cargo moving between China and markets further west.
The volume growth comes as KTZ organized its first railway route connecting China directly to Afghanistan, a development the carrier announced on 12 February. The new corridor adds another lane of traffic to Kazakhstan's increasingly busy overland freight network, requiring operational coordination at border crossings. Information released alongside the volume data indicated that the Dostyk and Altynkol border stations—primary crossing points on the China-Kazakhstan border—remain operational and are managing the increased throughput.
Regional Partnerships and Transit Expansion
Alongside the new China-Afghanistan link, KTZ reinforced its engagement with Pakistani transport and logistics companies on 12 February, signaling intent to deepen regional cooperation. The partnership moves come as Central Asian transit routes compete for a larger share of Eurasian freight, with Kazakhstan positioning its rail infrastructure as a preferred corridor for containerized and bulk cargo. The carrier also launched a direct passenger service between Almaty and Balkhash on 10 February, expanding domestic connectivity.
The carrier revealed on 12 February that internal audits had identified damage during diesel fuel write-off procedures, an operational issue that underscores the scale of fuel logistics across KTZ's network. Railway maintenance crews were simultaneously preparing for spring operations, a seasonal transition that brings weather-related challenges to track and equipment reliability. Technical staff also prioritized wheel-rail lubrication as a factor in traffic safety, addressing wear that intensifies with freight volume.
Security Upgrades and Workforce Initiatives
KTZ is installing 1,350 CCTV cameras across its train fleet, a surveillance expansion announced alongside other February news items. The carrier scheduled a fire-fighting exercise for its administrative building, reflecting standard emergency preparedness protocols for major infrastructure operators. KTZ stated on 14 February that systematic work is underway to improve employee welfare and working conditions, a framing that aligns with government directives on labor standards at state enterprises.
The national carrier also reported transporting more than 3,000 participants of the youth forum "Zhana Adamdar" on 7 February, and more than 20 young dombra players performed for passengers on a train on 9 February, reflecting cultural programming integrated into passenger services.