Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Aim to Boost Rail Freight to 60 Million Tons

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed on a plan to significantly increase the volume of rail freight between the two countries. The agreement was reached during a meeting between the transport ministers of both nations, focusing on enhancing cooperation in railway transport.

The ministers emphasized the strategic importance of the railway connection for developing trade, economic ties, international transit, and regional transport integration. They highlighted substantial potential for further growth in freight volumes and improving the efficiency of logistics routes. In 2025, rail freight between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached 32.3 million tons, marking a 16% increase compared to 2024.

To ensure sustainable growth and achieve agreed-upon capacity parameters, the parties developed a Joint Action Plan. This plan includes infrastructure development at key border junctions: Saryagash, Oasis, and Syrdarya. It also involves completing critical projects such as the Darbaza – Maktaral section.

Currently, up to 36 train pairs pass daily through the Saryagash junction, with plans to increase this number to 40. At the Oasis junction, traffic is expected to rise from 2 train pairs per day to 10. Following the opening of the Darbaza–Maktaral section, capacity at Syrdarya is projected to reach up to 10 train pairs daily.

The meeting also addressed synchronizing infrastructure and repair works, improving control procedures, optimizing technological interaction, and enhancing overall transportation process efficiency.

Both sides confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding cooperation and creating conditions for consistent growth in freight volumes.