Kazakh president orders acceleration of key highway projects, boosts transport investmentPresident Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev to expedite the construction of the Center-West highway and intensify efforts to attract investment into the transport sector, as reported by the presidential press service.“The head of state ordered the acceleration of the Center-West highway construction, the expansion of the Western Europe-Western China corridor, special attention to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), an increase in domestic and international flights, and enhanced efforts to attract investment into the transport sector,” the statement says.Tokayev particularly emphasized the importance of developing the transport and logistics industry, as well as the high-quality and timely implementation of transport infrastructure modernization projects.Karabayev reported a 6% rise in total transit volume across all transport modes in 2024, with freight along the TITR surging 62% to 4.5 million tonnes. Road repairs covered 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) this year, while reconstruction concluded on key highways, including the Karaganda-Almaty and Atyrau-Astrakhan routes.Air travel also saw significant growth: Kazakh airlines carried 14.7 million passengers in 2024, a 10% year-on-year increase, while airports served 29.7 million passengers, up 14%. Rail transport recorded 21 million passengers, a 3.9% rise.Three new airport terminals opened in Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Shymkent, with construction underway on airports in Katon-Karagai, Zaisan, and Kendirli. The Transport Ministry plans to launch 19 new international air routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in 2025.Modernization of 125 railway stations is ongoing, officials said, alongside five major rail projects: Dostyk-Moyynty, the Almaty bypass line, Darbaza-Maktaaral, Ayagoz-Bakhty, and Kyzylzhar-Moyynty.The Center-West highway project gained momentum after Tokayev ordered its construction in March during the National Kurultai, a public forum. The route will link the capital, Astana, to Irgiz, connecting to the TITR. Officials said design work for the highway is currently in progress, with the president noting it would spur development in the Turgai region. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX