Astana, 13 November. Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China amounted to 31.8 million tonnes in the first ten months of 2026, which is 8% more than in the same period of last year, when 29.4 million tonnes were carried, the Ministry of Transport said.
Both directions grew. From Kazakhstan to China, 19.7 million tonnes of freight were sent, 8% more than a year earlier. Of that, 13.1 million tonnes went through the Dostyk border station, which is 12% more, and 6.6 million tonnes through the Altynkol station, a rise of 1%. From China to Kazakhstan, 12.1 million tonnes were delivered in January — October, 9% more. Here more freight goes through Altynkol: 7.1 million tonnes, up 6%. Through Dostyk, 5.0 million tonnes were brought into Kazakhstan, 13% more.
The ministry attributes the growth to consistent work on strengthening transport and logistics ties with China. It promises to modernise border infrastructure and raise the capacity of border crossings.
There are currently two crossings on the border with China, and both, in the assessment of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), are working at the limit of their capacity. The third is to be the Bakhty — Bokhtu crossing, to which the company is building the 303 km Bakhty — Ayagoz line. KTZ reported on the progress of construction on the same day. The roadbed is 93% filled: 36.8 million cubic metres of soil have been laid against a plan of 39.5 million cubic metres. The remainder is mainly in the border zone and at Bakhty station. Of 267 culverts, 245 are ready and another 15 are in progress. Of 19 cattle passes, 12 are ready. Work is under way on 43 of 47 bridges, and the beams for them are made right on site so as not to lose time on transport.
The company buys rails, sleepers, fastenings and turnouts from Kazakhstani manufacturers; the rails are supplied by the Aktobe Rail and Section Works. KTZ has assigned 870 specialists to service the line, and in total the project is to provide about 1,300 jobs. Construction on the territory of Kazakhstan is to be completed at the end of 2027.
Both statements came out on the day the President held a Security Council meeting on the development of transport and logistics.
What it means: Almost 32 million tonnes passed through the two operating crossings in ten months, and Dostyk provided the main increase. Their spare capacity, by the railway company’s own account, is exhausted, so further growth depends on the third crossing, promised by the end of 2027.
Who benefits: According to KTZ, the new line will relieve Dostyk and Altynkol and support the economy of Abai Region. Orders for materials go to Kazakhstani plants, and the line itself will provide about 1,300 jobs.
Background: Dostyk and Altynkol are the two border stations through which, according to the ministry, all rail freight between the two countries passes. The statement on traffic came out the day after the KNB announced the detention of the chairman of KTZ’s management board; the company has said it is operating as normal.
