President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev inaugurated the second line of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway, the Akorda press service reported.
The railway links Kazakhstan with China’s Alashankou. At the opening ceremony, Tokayev noted that, thanks to the tireless work of Kazakh workers “who labored almost three years day and night,” the line was completed ahead of schedule. The new route is expected to increase freight capacity fivefold.
“Delivery times for export goods will be shortened, and transit potential will be strengthened,” Tokayev said.
After opening the second line, the total capacity of the route will rise from 12 to 60 train pairs per day, while container transport speeds will reach up to 1,500 km/day. “The launch of the new tracks will help maintain Kazakhstan’s dominant position in railway transit between China and Europe,” wrote presidential aide Ruslan Zheldibay on Telegram.
Kazakhstan plans to build over 1,700 km of new railways by 2027. This year, construction of a bypass around Almaty is also expected to be completed, aimed at speeding up the transit of goods from China.