Increased cargo capacity on the Transcaspian Corridor in Kazakhstan multiplied by sixfold

Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, revealed ambitious plans for the modernization of the country's energy and infrastructure sectors during the Astana Finance Day 2025 forum.

Bozumbayev stated that these measures aim to improve Kazakhstan's energy security and enhance the efficiency of its transport infrastructure. The government approved the National Program for the Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sector in December 2024, which is expected to attract 6.8 trillion tenge (approximately US$12.6 billion) in investments.

The energy and utilities modernization program seeks to reduce infrastructure wear to 40% and improve the reliability of utility networks. Funds from the program will be directed toward the renovation of 86,000 kilometers of utility networks. The goal is to commission at least 26 gigawatts of new generation capacity by 2035. This will be achieved through increasing the share of renewable energy, developing flexible gas-fired generation, expanding hydropower resources, and modernizing conventional carbon-based capacities.

In addition, Kazakhstan is also focusing on trade diversification and regional economic integration. The Transcaspian International Transport Route (TITR) is seen as a crucial part of these modernizing infrastructure efforts. Over the past five years, Kazakhstan's cargo shipments along TITR have increased sixfold, from 800,000 tonnes in 2020 to 4.5 million tonnes in 2024. The government aims to further expand the annual freight capacity of TITR to 10 million tonnes.

The success of the Transcaspian corridor reflects Kazakhstan's growing competitiveness in global logistics. Bozumbayev highlighted that the corridor has become a strategic artery for Kazakhstan and the broader region, providing critical links between Asia and Europe. The National Infrastructure Plan, approved by the government in July 2024, is designed to upgrade essential life-support systems, enhance connectivity, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

The National Infrastructure Plan until 2029 aims to make Kazakhstan a key driver of trade diversification and regional economic integration. Bozumbayev emphasized that these developments are significant steps towards modernizing Kazakhstan's infrastructure and boosting its global competitiveness. The Kazinform news agency reported these developments.