Kazakhstan aims to complete the construction of the Darbaza - Maktaaral railway within three years, as reported by the national fund "Samruk-Kazyna."
The new line is intended to enhance cargo transportation across the border with Uzbekistan while reducing the load on the Saryagash - Tashkent border crossing. It will also improve connectivity for remote areas of the Turkestan region with other regions of Kazakhstan.
The project's cost is estimated at 286 billion tenge ($545.7 million). The commissioning of the line is planned for 2027.
Of the 203 km of track and sleeper grid required for the new railway, approximately half, or about 100 km, has been assembled. The volume of earthworks completed is 15% (1.4 million cubic meters).
More than 70 specialists are involved in the project's implementation. A total of 3,400 jobs will be created during the construction, and over 500 individuals will be provided with permanent employment upon its completion.
The construction of the line commenced in November 2023. As noted at that time, the new line will accelerate cargo transportation to Uzbekistan, as well as transit to Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Additionally, passenger train services between the countries will be expanded.
Earlier, Spot reported that Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan plan to attract funds from the EBRD for the construction of the Kyzylorda - Uchquduq railway.