Kazakh PM orders construction of 'Center-West' highway, Arkalyk airport renovationKazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed officials to begin construction of the "Center-West" highway within a month and complete the restoration of Arkalyk Airport by 2025, the government press service reported.Bektenov issued the directive during a working trip to the Kostanay region, emphasizing that the highway is a presidential priority. "This is a crucial project for the entire country and the Torgai region. Work must begin within a month and be carried out efficiently," he said. The road is expected to spur regional development and create business opportunities along its route.Deputy Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliyev said the project will include three interchanges, 20 bridges, one railway overpass, and connecting roads to nearby settlements. Once completed, the route from Astana to western regions will shorten by 560 km, reducing travel time by five hours.Separately, Bektenov reviewed progress on Arkalyk Airport’s reconstruction, which involves a new terminal and upgrades to the runway, taxiway. Deputy Governor of the Kostanay Region Berik Tanzharikov, said the airport will handle 70 passengers per hour post-renovation.Bektenov stressed Kazakhstan’s potential to become a regional transit hub: "We must develop transport infrastructure strategically and without delays. This will boost regional growth and diversify the economy."Officials also reported on repairs to the Zhezkazgan-Petropavlovsk highway, where 71 km of pavement and 54 culverts will be replaced. The 87-km section from the Ulytau region to Arkalyk will cut travel distances by 600 km to the capital and 450 km to Kostanay and Petropavlovsk, with daily capacity rising to 2,500 vehicles.The Center-West highway was ordered by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in March to spur development in the Torgai region. Design work began in April, though the project, debated since 2013, has faced environmental concerns. The Transport Ministry has dismissed alternative routes. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX