Kazakhstan–China rail freight volumes rise as infrastructure capacity expands
Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China increased during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 28.4 million tonnes through border railway crossings, according to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ).
The volume represents an 8% increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting continued growth in cross-border freight movements between the two countries. Shipments from Kazakhstan to China reached 17.6 million tonnes, up 9%, while freight moving in the opposite direction totalled 10.8 million tonnes, an increase of 8%.
The figures were presented during the 35th regular meeting of the joint Kazakh-Chinese border railway commissions, held in China. Representatives of both countries reviewed transport performance and discussed operational plans for 2027.
Kazakhstan expands railway infrastructure to support freight growth
KTZ reported the completion of several infrastructure projects designed to increase railway capacity and improve freight movements across its network.
These include the construction of second tracks along the Moiynty–Dostyk section, an important railway corridor connecting Kazakhstan with China. The company has also completed the Zhelygan–Kazbek-Bek bypass line, allowing rail traffic to avoid the Almaty railway hub.
Additional improvements have been implemented along the Zhelygan–Altynkol section, where five passing stations have opened and second tracks have been constructed on two sections of the railway.
At Altynkol station, eight additional yard tracks and four narrow-gauge tracks have also been built to strengthen handling capacity and support cross-border operations.
The infrastructure developments form part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to accommodate growing freight volumes and reduce operational constraints on railway connections with China.
Kazakhstan proposes higher freight target for 2027
During the meeting, the Kazakh delegation proposed setting a cross-border rail freight target of 42.3 million tonnes for 2027.
The proposed volume includes 26.8 million tonnes moving from Kazakhstan to China and 15.5 million tonnes in the reverse direction.
For comparison, total rail freight traffic between the two countries reached 35.6 million tonnes in 2025, representing an 11% increase compared with 2024. Of that total, 22.2 million tonnes moved from Kazakhstan to China, while 13.4 million tonnes travelled in the opposite direction.
The proposed 2027 target has not been presented as a finalized bilateral agreement.
Both sides also discussed the need for coordinated railway infrastructure development to accommodate further traffic growth and maintain the uninterrupted operation of border crossings.
Increasing agricultural freight transportation was identified as another area for potential cooperation.
Railway cooperation focuses on border capacity
The meeting brought together a Kazakh delegation led by Marat Shakenov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of KTZ, and a Chinese delegation headed by Guo Jian, Chairman of the Board of Urumqi Railway LLC.
As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation inspected railway facilities in China, including the Wuxi–Urumqi West station, a high-speed train locomotive depot and Urumqi railway station.
The discussions highlighted the importance of developing railway infrastructure on both sides of the border to support higher freight volumes.
The parties are expected to sign a protocol following the meeting, formalizing the outcomes of their discussions.
The latest traffic figures and infrastructure improvements underline the growing role of rail connections between Kazakhstan and China, with further capacity development remaining central to the countries’ plans for cross-border freight transportation.
