Kazakhstan and Russia to Expand Rail Freight Volumes, Including China-Europe Transit

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway operator and Russian Railways are preparing to boost cargo transportation volumes in the second half of 2025 and into 2026, according to a statement released by KTZ.  On July 21, KTZ Chairman of the Board Talgat Aldybergenov met in Moscow with Oleg Belozerov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Russian Railways to assess the implementation of their strategic partnership agreement signed in November 2024 in Astana.  The agreement outlines plan to modernize railway infrastructure at nine key border crossings, expand capacity and introduce a unified digital logistics system aimed at improving efficiency and cross border freight operations.  During the July 21 meeting, the two sides signed a protocol to enhance operations at interstate junction points. Under the new framework, train throughput is expected to rise by 30% from 65 to 85 train pairs per