Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions regarding the development of the country’s transit and transport potential.

Reports were presented by Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev and Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” Talgat Aldybergenov.

The discussion focused on the quality and timeliness of executing tasks related to infrastructure modernization, the introduction of digital solutions, and increasing the sector’s share in the national economy.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the gross output of the transport and warehousing sector amounted to 12.2 trillion tenge by the end of 2025. In January–March of the current year, the sector grew by 12.8%.

Over the past year, 353 million tons of cargo were transported domestically by road. In 2024, four major projects were completed: Kalbatau–Maikapchagay, Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk, Atyrau–Astrakhan, and Karaganda–Almaty, with a total length of 2,000 km. Development of transit corridors is ongoing, including the Aktobe–Kyzylorda, Beineu–Saksaulsky, Center–West, Karaganda–Zhezkazgan routes, and the Saryagash bypass. Overall, annual roadwork coverage has reached 13,000 km.

As part of the modernization of automobile checkpoints on the internal borders of the EAEU, work on two facilities was completed last year. Currently, 37 checkpoints are under construction, with full completion scheduled for 2027.

The Prime Minister criticized the slow pace of modernization of border checkpoints, noting the lack of sufficient progress, and instructed to accelerate all operational processes.

Within the framework of comprehensive transit development, railway transport issues were also reviewed. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, transit volumes reached 33 million tons in 2025, which is 20% higher than in 2024. Transit accounted for 10% of total transportation. In January–March 2026, transit increased by a further 14%—from 8 to 9 million tons—while container traffic grew by 6%.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Efforts are underway to reduce delivery times along the TITR, introduce through tariffs on the Altynkol–Poti/Batumi route, and integrate digital systems with partners in Azerbaijan and Georgia. Large-scale railway infrastructure projects totaling 3,900 km are currently being implemented, including the construction of the Moyynty–Kyzylzhar and Bakhty–Ayagoz lines, as well as modernization of the Altynkol–Zhetygen, Shalkar–Beineu, Beineu–Mangystau sections and others.

Olzhas Bektenov noted insufficient mobilization of resources for the construction of the Bakhty–Ayagoz railway line, emphasizing that the lack of equipment and workforce is slowing down the project. Relevant measures have been instructed.

In addition, to unlock transit potential, the need to expand the capacity of cross-border junction points to 100 million tons per year was highlighted. This will boost international transportation and simplify border crossing procedures.

The Prime Minister also criticized the slow pace of railway station modernization and instructed to complete all construction and installation works within the current year.

Regarding maritime infrastructure, progress was reported on developing transportation via the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. The importance of dredging works at Aktau port this year, totaling 1.3 million cubic meters, was emphasized.

The Prime Minister also pointed to delays in the procurement of six container vessels for the Aktau–Baku route and instructed to expedite the process of deploying the new fleet.

In civil aviation, 20.8 million passengers were transported in 2025, while airports served 31.8 million passengers, including Astana Airport (9.2 million) and Almaty Airport (12 million). By 2028, 11 infrastructure projects are planned, including four new airports, two runways, and modernization of existing infrastructure in five cities. This year, expansion of the international route network to 135 routes across 30 countries is planned (compared to 115 routes in 2024).

It was also reported that, following measures taken on the President’s instructions, the cost of domestic aviation fuel for Kazakh airlines has decreased. Currently, prices at Kazakhstan’s airports are around $800 per ton, making them more competitive compared to neighboring countries. As a result, new foreign carriers have been attracted to Kazakhstan’s airports, including Centrum Air (Uzbekistan), Shiraq Avia (Armenia), Martinair (Netherlands), One Air (United Kingdom), Atlas Air (USA), MNG Airlines (Türkiye), and others.

Attention was also given to the development plans of JSC “KTZ Air Cargo,” which aims to enhance the resilience of the country’s transport system.

The Prime Minister highlighted shortcomings in the procurement of small aircraft and instructed to refine financing mechanisms for airlines requiring such aircraft.

Digitalization issues were also discussed. Currently, transport operations are carried out with 42 countries, and the number of foreign transport permits has tripled compared to 2022. To simplify and accelerate procedures, their issuance has been digitized. The CarGoRuqsat system has been introduced, unlimited exchange with China has been ensured, and 70% of foreign permits have been digitized. In March 2026, a pilot e-Permit project was launched with OTS countries, along with the implementation of the e-CMR pilot for international transport. These measures aim to enhance transparency, reduce processing time, and lower administrative costs.

The Head of Government instructed to continue transitioning to a fully digital format for issuing foreign transport permits in cooperation with international partners.

“The President consistently emphasizes that transit is one of our country’s key competitive advantages. Nevertheless, there are remarks regarding both the completeness and timeliness of the execution of instructions. I will personally monitor progress. Our task is to mobilize efforts across all areas,” Olzhas Bektenov stressed.