AKIPRESS.COM - Kazakhstan started constructing a new railway line to China, which will allow a 20 million ton boost in freight turnover between the two countries, the Prime Minister’s press service reports.

"The construction of a new railway line Bakhty - Ayagoz with a length of 272 km started in Abay region. Alikhan Smailov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, gave an official start to the works in the mode of teleconference," the reports says.

The project is realized within the framework of execution of the instruction of the head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on increase of transport-transit potential of Kazakhstan. During construction of the new line it is planned to open the third border crossing with China Bakhty - Chuguchak, the press service notes.

The authorities believe that the railway line Bakhty - Ayagoz will increase the throughput capacity between Kazakhstan and China from 28 to about 48 million tons, unload the southern checkpoints and attract additional volumes of transit.

It is planned that the double-track railroad will be put into operation in 2027.

The large-scale project will be realized with the participation of a private investor (the details are not provided). In the course of construction 11 stations, 47 bridges, 23 railroad and 8 highway overpasses, 5 pedestrian bridges, 16 observation structures will be erected. It is planned to purchase over 500,000 units of sleepers and 36 tons of rails from domestic manufacturers.

Prime Minister noted that last year Kazakhstan's railroads transported the maximum volume of cargo for 30 years of independence, which amounted to 245 billion tons/kilometer. High rates are maintained in the current year, despite the geopolitical situation and infrastructure constraints.

"The volume of transit container transportation has grown 3.2 times over the past five years. Existing transit corridors are being expanded and new ones are being opened. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, North-South and Southern corridors have become particularly relevant," Alikhan Smailov said.

Due to the fact that the throughput and infrastructure capacities have reached their peak, a decision was made to implement a number of infrastructure projects in the railway industry. Construction of second tracks on the Dostyk - Moyinty section began in November last year. Work on a new railroad bypassing Almaty and the railroad line Darbaza - Maktaaral was launched this year.

In total, over 1,300 km of railroads will be built in the republic within three years.