The President spoke at a teleconference dedicated to the launch of construction of the Kyzylorda – Saksaulsk, Ulgaisyn – Saksaulsk, and Beineu – Saksaulsk highways.

In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that construction of major projects of particular strategic importance for our country was commencing today. He noted that the transport and logistics industry is a powerful engine of economic growth for Kazakhstan, which is located at the crossroads of vital routes.

"Roads are lifelines. The state consistently prioritizes the development of this sector. Our goal is to strengthen Kazakhstan's status as a key transit hub in Eurasia. I have repeatedly stated this. As is well known, our country serves as the main bridge connecting Europe and Asia. The majority of overland freight traffic between East and West passes through Kazakhstan. Therefore, the development of a modern, advanced transport system is a strategic objective. Overall, the country is working hard in this direction." Last year, the second line of the Dostyk – Moiynty railway was commissioned, increasing freight traffic volumes fivefold. A railway line bypassing Almaty station was also launched, significantly reducing freight delivery times. "The most important thing is that such large-scale projects are being implemented by domestic specialists," said the Head of State.

The President noted that all this work demonstrates Kazakhstan's enormous potential in transport and logistics.

"Last year, the country's total freight traffic increased by 6 percent, reaching approximately 37 million tons. Construction of the Moiynty – Kyzylzhar and Darbaza – Maktaaral railway lines will be completed this year, and the Bakhty – Ayagoz line will be completed next year. We are also paying special attention to the automotive industry. In recent years, Kazakhstan has been undergoing large-scale road modernization. A number of major infrastructure projects have been successfully completed." Clear evidence of this are the highways linking Western Europe to Western China, Karaganda to Almaty, Central to South, Atyrau to Astrakhan, Taldykorgan to Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Kalbatau to Maykapchagay. Over the past five years, the volume of road freight transport has doubled. Last year, revenue from this type of service reached 1.5 trillion tenge. Eight international corridors pass through Kazakhstan. Approximately 35,000 vehicles travel along these routes daily. Last year, 13,000 kilometers of roads were built and repaired, 6,000 of which were put into operation. In 2027, road checkpoints will undergo a complete reconstruction. Such large-scale work will be carried out for the first time since the country's independence, emphasized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The head of state reported that road repair work has now covered all regions. "Construction of a bypass road around Saryagash and the modernization of the Zhezkazgan-Karaganda highway recently began. At the same time, work is underway across the country to build housing, educational and healthcare facilities, utility networks, and other social infrastructure. In short, Kazakhstan is currently experiencing a massive construction boom. This clearly demonstrates that the country has embarked on a course for robust growth and has entered a qualitatively new stage of modernization," the President noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the launch of the new 800-kilometer Beineu-Saksaulsk highway project. He believes this road is designed not only to provide interregional connectivity but also to become a key international transport artery.

"By strengthening ties within Kazakhstan, the road will also become a 'golden bridge' between China and Europe. The project will directly connect checkpoints on the Chinese border with the ports of Aktau and Kuryk." As a result, the distance of freight shipments from China to Europe will be reduced by 1,000 kilometers, and delivery time will be reduced to three days. In our people's value system, the construction of wells and bridges has long been considered an expression of virtue and concern for others. In other words, we are embarking on a crucial initiative that will serve both our well-being and the well-being of our neighbors. The Beineu – Saksaulsk highway will undoubtedly become a key transport artery of national, regional, and transcontinental significance. That is why the name "Aral-Caspian Highway" is most appropriate for this route," the Head of State noted.

Along with this, the President announced that work will begin to expand the capacity and comprehensively reconstruct the Kyzylorda – Saksaulsk and Ulgaisyn – Saksaulsk highways, which together extend 774 kilometers.

Domestic companies will be involved in the projects, creating jobs for over 10,000 people. Once the highways are operational, freight traffic will increase 2.5-fold, reaching 13.2 million tons annually. These projects will undoubtedly contribute to the development of the national economy and tourism, as well as improving the well-being of the population. Each project is seamlessly integrated into the transportation system of Kazakhstan. Historically established vertical transportation networks are now complemented by horizontal connections. The main goal is to transform our country into a leading logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. Road transportation in Kazakhstan has almost equaled rail transport in terms of revenue. Therefore, an important task is not simply building roads, but creating a modern digital ecosystem. The adoption of the National Program to Support Domestic Carriers, with the participation of the local auto industry, will greatly enhance the existing potential. All this will expand Kazakhstan's transit capabilities. Lifelines in the undeveloped steppes of the Aral Sea region will transform dead-end routes into important crossroads of key transport corridors of Eurasia. It is crucial to complete all projects launched today within the strictly established deadlines – no later than 2029. All the necessary conditions have been created for this. Now it's time to move on to their implementation. I am confident that, with our joint efforts, we will successfully accomplish this task. I wish everyone good health, success, and prosperity! - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded his speech.

During the teleconference, First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev, Akim of Aktobe Region Askhat Shakharov, and Akim of Mangistau Region Nurdaulet Kilybay reported on the projects' readiness for launch. Chairman of the Kyzylorda Region Veterans' Council Serik Duisenbayev also delivered a speech, conveying the gratitude of the region's residents to the President.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-minsk/press/news/details/1268785?lang=ru