Kazakhstan is developing a comprehensive road strategy through 2040 to keep pace with rapidly growing freight transit between Europe and China, Vice Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov said during a Nov. 25 briefing.
Surge in truck volume from China to Europe
According to Kaliakparov, the number of trucks passing through Kazakhstan is increasing by 30% to 35% each year. To prevent traffic bottlenecks and border congestion, the government plans to introduce a «green corridor» at all border checkpoints. Under this system, transit cargo will be processed rapidly with minimal inspections. Reconstruction and upgrades at all border crossings are already underway to support the new approach.
Major road expansions planned
Kazakhstan will also build and expand roads that carry the highest volume of truck traffic. Projects include a new highway along the Caspian Sea as part of the Trans-Caspian Route, as well as expansion of the Western Europe-Western China corridor. The upgrades are designed to allow double the current vehicle capacity while reducing congestion.
