Following the negotiations, a protocol on cooperation at interstate border crossing points and an action plan to improve their efficiency for 2026-2030 were drafted. The documents were signed by RZD First Deputy General Director Sergey Pavlov and KTZ Managing Director for Production Processes Baurzhan Urynbasarov.
The plan outlines joint steps and timelines for rapid development of interstate border crossing points, taking into account increased cargo flow. According to Sergey Pavlov, 61.8 million tons of cargo were transported through Russian-Kazakhstani border crossings in the first eight months of this year—4.5% more than the same period last year. "July and August showed positive dynamics in train exchanges: 75 trains passed on July 27, 77 on July 28, 74 on July 29, and 76 on August 3. The record of 77 trains against a norm of 75 is an absolute achievement for transfers through Russian-Kazakhstani border crossings," noted Sergey Pavlov.
Increasing cross-border transportation volumes will be the near-term priority. This will be facilitated by completing construction of the second track on the Kazakhstani Dostyk-Moynty section this year. Once this section becomes operational, freight train exchanges through Russian-Kazakhstani border crossings will increase to 85 pairs daily.
This issue was previously discussed during a working meeting between RZD CEO Oleg Belozerov and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Chairman Talgat Aldybergenov in Moscow on July 21. The parties prioritized developing the eastern branch of the North-South ITC.
Today, the eastern segment of the ITC running through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has gained strategic importance due to geopolitical shifts, notes Alexander Karavaev from the Caspian Institute for Strategic Studies. "Kazakhstan provides Russia with a transit gateway to Central Asia, while for Kazakhstan, partnering with Russia on transport opens access through the North-South ITC to the Middle Volga region, central Russia, and the industrial hubs of the Southern Urals," the expert explains.
The eastern route currently handles 6 million tons of cargo per year. According to presentations at last summer's inaugural North-South Transport Trade and Export Forum in Aktau, this capacity should reach 10 million tons by 2027 and 20 million tons by 2030. Achieving these targets will require extensive infrastructure upgrades—modernizing rail lines, adding second tracks, installing automated signaling systems, and expanding border facilities. Kazakhstani Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin announced plans to invest $1.9 billion in these improvements.
"We consistently find common ground, and this Far East meeting of our joint working group proved no different," Sergey Pavlov concluded. The next bilateral meeting is scheduled for the first half of 2026 in Kazakhstan.
Dmitry Koptev, Natalia Kuzmina
Read next content