ASTANA — Kazakhstan is undertaking one of the most ambitious railway modernization programs in its history, combining infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, industrial development and expanding transit ambitions as the country seeks to strengthen its role as a key Eurasian transport hub.
Updates presented during a June 16 government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov showed progress across multiple fronts, from the renovation of railway stations and expansion of freight corridors to investments in rolling stock and railway manufacturing Railway stations’ large-scale modernization According to the Prime Minister’s press service, a key component of the modernization effort is the renovation of railway stations nationwide.
According to Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, 124 railway stations in all regions of Kazakhstan have been included in a nationwide modernization program. Local authorities are simultaneously carrying out landscaping and improvement works in station areas.
The first 30 upgraded stations are expected to be commissioned before July 1. Sauranbayev described the initiative as the largest railway station modernization program implemented since Kazakhstan gained independence. “The main objective of this work is to provide citizens with safe and comfortable railway transport,” he said.
Construction and installation work have already been completed at 36 facilities. Alongside station modernization, the country continues to renew its passenger fleet. More than 650 passenger railcars have been upgraded in recent years. The Ministry of Transport plans to increase the renewal rate of the passenger fleet to 90% by 2030.
Transit traffic becomes key growth driver The railway sector’s growing importance is closely tied to Kazakhstan’s position on international transport routes. According to the Transport Ministry, Kazakhstan currently handles 80% of overland cargo transported from China to Europe.
Transit transportation has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of growth within the railway industry. Over the past five years, transit freight volumes increased from 20 million tons to 33 million tons. Officials now intend to accelerate that growth. The government plans to double transit volumes to 67 million tons by 2030 and increase them further to 100 million tons by 2040.
“Transit has become the main driver of the domestic railway industry,” Sauranbayev said, adding that the expansion of international transport corridors remains central to achieving these targets. A broader logistics network and AI adoption in the rail sector The government is also investing in terminal infrastructure, both inside and outside Kazakhstan.
Seven terminals currently operate along key transport routes, while another seven facilities are under construction. Officials say the projects will help establish an integrated logistics network connecting East-West and North-South transport corridors. At the same time, efforts are underway to improve rail access to major industrial enterprises and mineral deposits.