Kazakhstan's national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has released operational results for coal logistics during the 2023–2024 heating season, covering the period from May 2023 through April 30, 2024. Rail freight volumes totaled approximately 73.5 million tons of coal across the network, matching throughput levels recorded during the preceding heating season.
Of this total, more than 65.8 million tons were directed to domestic thermal power plants, representing an increase of roughly one million tons compared to the previous heating season. Household deliveries through the KTZ network accounted for over 7.7 million tons. The surge in power sector supply proved significant: coal stockpiles at thermal power plants across the country climbed to a record 5.5 million tons, the highest level recorded in five years.
Operational Command Structure and Monitoring
Coal transportation coordination fell to a dedicated KTZ operational headquarters comprising more than 60 staff members drawn from the central office and regional territorial divisions. The command structure maintained continuous, round-the-clock oversight of coal movements originating from open-pit mining operations destined for all regions of Kazakhstan.
To enhance transparency and responsiveness, KTZ developed an interactive digital platform enabling real-time online tracking of coal shipment deliveries. The headquarters issued regulatory decisions on an urgent basis and managed both immediate and medium-term planning for the positioning of empty railcars and loading operations.
Fleet Deployment and Preparations Ahead
Autumn-winter coal transport during the 2023–2024 period utilized approximately 20,000 gondola cars from the Kaztemirtrans JSC rolling stock fleet. Of this fleet, over 10,400 cars were deployed specifically for thermal power plant deliveries, while 9,500 cars handled population-facing household coal distribution.
With the 2024–2025 heating season approaching, KTZ railway personnel are emphasizing the need for proactive, advance-stage preparations to sustain and improve upon current performance benchmarks.