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 day, beginning in the second half of the year. 

They also discussed increasing freight volumes along the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor, which traverses Kazakhstan and connects Russia with Turkmenistan and Iran. With a current annual cargo capacity of 10 million tons, the corridor is gaining prominence as a strategic trade route.

KTZ and RZD further agreed to accelerate the automation of rail transit between China and Europe. Key upgrades will include the automatic registration of transit declarations and integration with the information systems of Russian and Belarusian railway operators.

According to KTZ, freight volumes have continued to rise steadily. In the first half of 2025, total rail cargo volume surpassed 45 million tons, representing a 4.1% year-on-year increase. Container transit reached 273,300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), marking an 18% rise compared to the same period in 2024