Transport in Kazakhstan

{{For|transport in the Soviet Union|Transport in the Soviet Union}}

The vast territory of Kazakhstan spans across {{convert|2,700,000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The population density is low in Kazakhstan, and the centers of industry and agriculture are spread out and remote from world markets.

Railways

Railways provide 68% of all cargo and passenger traffic to over 57% of the country. There are {{convert|15,333|km|mi|abbr=on}} in common carrier service, excluding industrial lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kazakhstan/|title=The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency|website=www.cia.gov|access-date=25 September 2017}} All railway lines in Kazakhstan are built in {{Track gauge|1520mm|lk=on}} gauge, of which {{convert|4,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} is electrified (2012).

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) is the national railway company. KTZ cooperates with French loco manufacturer Alstom in developing Kazakhstan's railway infrastructure. Alstom has more than 600 staff and two joint ventures with KTZ and its subsidiary in Kazakhstan.{{cite web|title=Loco manufacturer obtains first IRIS certification in Kazakhstan|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/loco-manufacturer-obtains-first-iris-certification-in-kazakhstan.html|website=www.railwaygazette.com}} In July 2017, Alstom opened its first locomotive repairing center in Kazakhstan. It is the only repairing center in Central Asia and the Caucasus.{{cite web|title=Alstom inaugurated first locomotive repairing centre in Kazakhstan|url=http://www.raillynews.com/2017/alstom-inaugurated-first-locomotive-repairing-centre-kazakhstan/|website=www.raillynews.com}}

As the Kazakhstani rail system was designed during the Soviet era, rail routes were designed ignoring inter-Soviet borders, based on the needs of Soviet planning. This has caused anomalies, such as the route from Oral to Aktobe passing briefly through Russian territory. It also means that routes might not suit modern-day Kazakhstani needs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.policyforum.net/chinas-one-track-mind-kazakhstan/|title=China's one-track mind in Kazakhstan|date=2018-02-13|website=Policy Forum|access-date=2019-02-19}}{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

Kazakhstan's developed railway system promotes international and regional trade connecting Asia and Europe. In 2019, the transit of goods through Kazakhstan increased 23% to 664,000 containers.{{cite web |title=Transit of goods through Kazakhstan grew 23 percent in 2019 |url=https://astanatimes.com/2020/01/transit-of-goods-through-kazakhstan-grew-23-percent-in-2019/ |website=The Astana Times|date=23 January 2020 }}

= Railway links with adjacent countries =

{{flagicon|Russia}} Russia - same gauge (former Soviet Union railway system)
{{flagicon|China}} China - break of gauge {{Track gauge|1520mm}}/{{Track gauge|sg|lk=on}};
Border station at Druzhba, KZ - Alashankou, CN, connection between the Turkestan–Siberia Railway and the Northern Xinjiang Railway (no electrification on them).
Another connection exist from Altynkol railway station near Khorgas to the Jinghe–Yining–Khorgos Railway towards Ürümqi.
{{flagicon|Kyrgyzstan}} Kyrgyzstan - same gauge (former Soviet Union railway system)
{{flagicon|Uzbekistan}} Uzbekistan - same gauge (former Soviet Union railway system)
{{flagicon|Turkmenistan}} Turkmenistan - same gauge (former Soviet Union railway system) (railway link opened in 2013, presently for freight)
Caspian Sea - railhead {{Track gauge|1520mm|disp=1}}

The strategy of transport development in Kazakhstan until 2015 is to build {{convert|1600|km|mi|abbr=on}} of new electrified and {{convert|2700|km|mi|abbr=on}} of existing railway stations.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

In 2006, a standard gauge rail link from China to Europe was proposed.{{cite web|url=http://www.unitedworld-usa.com/reports/kazakhstan/temir.asp|title=KAZAKHSTAN - Temir Zholy|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120160650/http://www.unitedworld-usa.com/reports/kazakhstan/temir.asp|archive-date=20 November 2008}}

In 2007, it was proposed to eliminate break of gauge at Druzhba-Alashankou by converting the Kazakhstan main line to European gauge.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

In 2008, BOOT line from Zhetigen to Khorgos on the China border.{{cite web|url=http://www.im-mining.com/2008/05/20/enrc-to-develop-and-operate-the-zhetigen-khorgos-railway-line-between-kazakhstan-and-china/|title=ENRC to develop and operate the Zhetigen-Khorgos railway line between Kazakhstan and China - International Mining|date=20 May 2008|access-date=25 September 2017}} The line would branch off the existing railway near Shaquanzi.{{Cite web |date=2009-08-05 |title=Kazakhstan Begins Zhetigen-Korgas Line Construction |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/uncategorised/news61295-html/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}

= Maps =

[https://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/kazakhst.pdf UN Map]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183534/http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/fullMaps_Sa.nsf/luFullMap/D27D9AFFF5B6812A85256A23006DE977/$File/kazak.pdf?OpenElement reliefweb map]

= Towns served by rail =

Rapid transit and tram systems

File:Станция Алмалы.jpg

= Almaty =

File:ALAtramwayTolebi.JPG

There is a small ({{convert| 8.56|km|mi|abbr=on}}) metro system in Almaty, the former capital and the largest city in the country. Second and third metro lines are planned in the future. The second line would intersect with the first line at Alatau and Zhibek Zholy stations.{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanrail.net/as/alma/almaty.htm|title=urbanrail.net|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425050228/http://www.urbanrail.net/as/alma/almaty.htm|archive-date=25 April 2015}}

In May 2011, the construction of the second phase of the Almaty Metro line 1 began. The general contractor is Almatymetrokurylys. The extension includes five new stations, and will connect the downtown area of Almaty with Kalkaman in the suburbs. Its length will be {{convert|8.62|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.almatymetro.kz/page.php|title=Алматыметро :: Главная страница|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815102546/http://www.almatymetro.kz/page.php|archive-date=15 August 2012}}

The construction is divided into three phases. The first phase, the addition of the two stations Sairan and Moscow with a length of {{convert|2.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} opened in 2015.

There was a tram system of 10 lines which operated from 1937 to 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.subways.net/kazakstan/almaty.htm|title=Subways and Trams In Kazakhstan: Almaty's Metro|website=www.subways.net|access-date=25 September 2017}}

= Astana =

A metro system is currently under construction in Astana , the capital city.

The metro line had been a long time coming and the project was abandoned at one point in 2013,{{cite web|url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/No-Light-Rail-Transport-for-Astana-24346/|title=No Light Rail Transport for Astana|website=Tengrinews.kz|date=28 November 2013 |access-date=25 September 2017}} but an agreement was signed on 7 May 2015 for the project to go ahead.{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/asia/single-view/view/astana-light-rail-framework-agreement-signed.html|title=Astana light rail framework agreement signed|first=DVV Media|last=UK|access-date=25 September 2017}}

= Oskemen =

In Oskemen, a tram system was operated until 2018.{{cite web|url=https://informburo.kz/novosti/v-ust-kamenogorske-polnostyu-ostanovili-dvizhenie-tramvaev.html|title=В Усть-Каменогорске полностью остановили движение трамваев|trans-title=The tram system in Ust-Kamenogorsk completely ceased operation|publisher=Informburo|date=2018-03-12|access-date=2018-03-15|language=RU}} Opened between 1959 and 1978, the tram was a popular form of transport in Oskemen/Ust-Kamenogorsk. At its peak, it had six routes, but in the end it had four routes in operation. It had a fleet of 50 working tram cars.{{cite web|url=http://oskemen-tramway.narod.ru/|title=Усть-Каменогорский трамвай :: Введение|website=oskemen-tramway.narod.ru|access-date=25 September 2017}}

= Pavlodar =

File:Павлодар_трамвай_023.jpg

In Pavlodar, there is a {{convert|86|km|mi|abbr=on}} tram network which began service in 1965. {{as of|2012}}, the network has 20 regular and three special routes. The network has a 60% share of the local public transport market. Its fleet of 115 trams are due to be replaced and in 2012, with the city announcing plans to purchase 100 new trams.Pavlodar

= Temirtau =

File:Trams_in_Temirtau.jpg

There are two tram lines in Temirtau.{{cite web|url=http://temirtau.kz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=4|title=temirtau.kz - главный сайт Темиртау|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108095737/http://temirtau.kz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=4|archive-date=8 January 2014}}

Highways

{{Cleanup|section |reason=Incomplete sentences and sporadic, possibly outdated information. |date=March 2020}}

File:alfarabi3.jpg

Kazakhstan has a road network stretching over {{convert|96,000|km|abbr=on}}, most of which is in need of modernization and repair. It is, however, notable for containing the easterly terminus of European route E40, which contains the most easterly section of the Euroroute network.

Total: {{convert|189,000|km}} (2002){{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Kazakhstan-TRANSPORTATION.html|title=Transportation - Kazakhstan - infrastructure|website=www.nationsencyclopedia.com|access-date=25 September 2017}}
Paved: {{convert|108,100|km|abbr=on}} (2002)
Unpaved: {{convert|80,900|km|abbr=on}} (2002)

It is stated in the CIA Factbook that Kazakhstan has a total road network of {{convert|93,612|km|abbr=on}} which is made up of {{convert|84,100|km|abbr=on}} paved and {{convert|9,512|km|abbr=on}} unpaved roads (2008).

{{as of|2017}}, there were 3,845,301 registered cars and a total of 4,425,770 units of autotransport.«Казинформ»(Kazinform [http://www.inform.kz/]){{cite web|url=http://www.yk.kz/news/show/37246|title=Усть-Каменогорск Всё больше|website=www.yk.kz|access-date=25 September 2017}}

Five international routes pass through Kazakhstan, totaling {{convert|23,000|km|abbr=on}}. These highways are:

M-36 Highway: Almaty – Astana – Kostanay (continues to Chelyabinsk)
Almaty – Petropavl to Omsk with the release of{{clarify|June|2016|date=June 2016}}
M-38 Highway: Almaty - Semey - Pavlodar (continues to Omsk)
M-39 Highway: Almaty - Shymkent (continues to Tashkent)
M-32 Highway: Shymkent - Aktobe - Oral (continues to Samara)

In 2009, the country began the construction of the "Western Europe - Western China" highway, which will be completed {{clarify |date=June 2016 |reason=Has it been completed? |text=by 2013}}. The total length of the road will be {{convert|8445|km|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|2787|km|abbr=on}} will be in Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Kyzylorda, South Kazakhstan, Zhambyl and Almaty oblasts). The thickness of the asphalt and concrete pavement will be {{convert|80|cm|in|abbr=on}}, and the expected lifespan of the highway will be 25 years, without a major overhaul, and the maximum speed limit {{convert|120|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}. The project includes a number of bridges over rivers, road maintenance facilities, bus stop areas, avtopavilony, cattle trails, and electronic signage. Simultaneously with the construction of this highway, roads will be repaired and built in areas along its route.{{cite web|url=http://kv.ucoz.kz/news/zapadnaja_evroppa_i_zapadnyj_kitaj_vstrechajutsja_na_zemle_syra/2011-01-01-6616|title=ЗАПАДНАЯ ЕВРОППА И ЗАПАДНЫЙ КИТАЙ ВСТРЕЧАЮТСЯ НА ЗЕМЛЕ СЫРА - 1 Января 2011 - ОФИЦИАЛЬНЫЙ САЙТ ГАЗЕТЫ "КЫЗЫЛОРДИНСКИЕ ВЕСТИ"|website=kv.ucoz.kz|access-date=25 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://kazpravda.kz/c/1279227092|title=Новости Казахстана - свежие, актуальные, последние новости об о всем|website=kazpravda.kz|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709175912/http://kazpravda.kz/c/1279227092|archive-date=9 July 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://europe-china.kz/en|title=Западная Европа - Западный Китай Международный Транзитный коридор|website=europe-china.kz|access-date=25 September 2017}}

=Motorways=

The motorway network in Kazakhstan is rather underdeveloped, mainly due to the low population density in the country, which doesn't require wider roads on long distances. There is a total of 490 km of motorways. The following are the only existing multi-lane, double carriage roads in Kazakhstan:

A1 - Runs from Astana to Shchuchinsk. It further continues as the A1 two-lane highway to Kokshetau. Motorway length: {{convert|250|km|abbr=on}}.
A2 - Runs from Almaty to a point past Uzynagash. It further continues as the A2 two-lane highway to Shymkent. Motorway length: {{convert|58|km|abbr=on}}.
A2 - Other four-lane portion runs from Shymkent to Zhibek Zholy, on the border with Uzbekistan. Length: {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}}.
A3 - Runs from Almaty to Kapshagay. It further continues as the A3 two-lane highway to Oskemen. Motorway length: {{convert|82|km|abbr=on}}.

Pipelines

As of 2010, pipelines in Kazakhstan consist of:

Condensate: {{convert|658|km|abbr=on}}
Gas: {{convert|12317|km|abbr=on}}
Oil: {{convert|11201|km|abbr=on}}
Refined products: {{convert|1095|km|abbr=on}}
Water, {{convert|1465|km|abbr=on}}

Waterways and waterborne transportation

There are {{convert|4000|km|abbr=on}} of waterways on the Syrdariya (Syr Darya), 80%, and Ertis (Irtysh) rivers, (2010)

Ports and harbours

= Caspian Sea =

Aqtau (Shevchenko) - railhead {{Track gauge|1524mm}}
Atyrau (Gur'yev) - railhead {{Track gauge|1524mm|disp=1}}

= On rivers =

Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk)
Pavlodar
Semey (Semipalatinsk)

= Merchant Marine =

The merchant marine has a total of 119 vessels {{as of|2017|lc=yes}} consisting of four general cargo vessels, ten petroleum tankers, and 105 other vessels.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kazakhstan/ |title=The World Factbook |at=Kazakhstan |website=cia.gov |date=7 June 2018 |access-date=22 June 2018}}

Airports

Kazakhstan has a total of 97 airports. (2012) However, it is quoted as having a total of 449 airports in 2001.

The large area of the country and the associated long distances makes air travel a very important component in domestic travel.

= Airports - with paved runways =

total: 64

over {{convert| 3,047 |m|ft}}: 10
{{convert|2,438–3,047|m|ft}}: 25
{{convert| 1,524–2,437 |m|ft}}: 16
{{convert| 914–1,523 |m|ft}}: 5
under {{convert| 914 |m|ft}}: 8 (2012)

= Airports - with unpaved runways =

total: 33

over {{convert| 3,047 |m|ft}}: 5
{{convert| 2,438–3,047 |m|ft}}: 7
{{convert| 1,524–2,437 |m|ft}}: 3
{{convert| 914–1,523 |m|ft}}: 5
under {{convert| 914 |m|ft}}: 13 (2012)

= Open Sky regime =

11 airports of Kazakhstan are part of the open sky regime, which allows more foreign carriers and more flights to operate at Kazakh airports. They include the airports of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Kokshetau, Taraz, Petropavlovsk, and Semey.{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan adopts open skies regime at 11 airports starting Nov. 1 |url=https://astanatimes.com/2019/11/kazakhstan-adopts-open-skies-regime-at-11-airports-starting-nov-1/ |website=The Astana Times}}

= Heliports =

Total: 3 (2012)

Airlines

Image:P4-PAS.JPG aircraft at Aktau Airport.]]

The European Commission blacklisted all Kazakh carriers in 2009, with the sole exception of Air Astana. Since then, Kazakhstan had consistently been taking measures to modernize and revamp its air safety oversight. Thus, in 2016, the European Aviation Safety Agency removed all Kazakh airlines from its blacklist citing “sufficient evidence of compliance” with international standards by Kazakh airlines and its Civil Aviation Committee.{{cite web|title=Sustained safety effort pulled Kazakhstan off EU blacklist|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sustained-safety-effort-pulled-kazakhstan-off-eu-bla-432336/|website=www.flightglobal.com}}

In December 2021, it was announced that Kazakhstan’s aviation safety record increased to 84%, which is 15% higher than the global average. These statistics were reported from an audit conducted by the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission.{{Cite web|last=December 2021|first=Staff Report in International on 8|date=2021-12-08|title=Kazakhstan's Aviation Safety Record Reaches 84 Percent, According to Latest ICAO Audit|url=https://astanatimes.com/2021/12/kazakhstans-aviation-safety-record-reaches-84-percent-according-to-latest-icao-audit/|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Astana Times|language=en}}

Air Astana - Air Astana (Эйр Астана) is the principal airline and the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, based in Almaty, Kazakhstan."[http://www.airastana.com/kaz/en/Head-Office.aspx Head Office] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120717080824/http://www.airastana.com/kaz/en/Head-Office.aspx |date=2012-07-17 }}." Air Astana. Retrieved on 21 December 2010. "Registered office 4A, Zakarpatskaya Street, Almaty, 050039, Kazakhstan" It operates scheduled domestic and international services on 56 routes from its main hub, Almaty International Airport, and from its 2 secondary hubs, Astana International Airport and Atyrau Airport. It is a joint venture between Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna (51%), and BAE Systems PLC (49%). It was incorporated in October 2001, and started commercial flights on 15 May 2002. At the 2012 World Airline Awards held at Farnborough Airshow in the UK, Air Astana was named the Best Airline in Central Asia & India.{{cite news|url=http://www.satrapia.com/news/article/air-astana-named-best-airline-in-central-asia-india/|title=Air Astana named Best Airline in Central Asia & India|access-date=20 July 2012|newspaper=The Gazette of Central Asia|date=17 July 2012|publisher=Satrapia}}
FlyArystan - low-cost subsidiary of Air Astana
SCAT Airlines
Sunday Airlines - charter subsidiary of SCAT Airlines
Qazaq Air
Caspiy
Kaz TransAir
Sigma Airlines
Sunkar Air

The New Silk Road

Kazakhstan is actively involved in the New Silk Road initiative, which is an infrastructure project expected to significantly accelerate and reduce the cost of goods delivery from China to Europe through Central Asia.{{cite magazine|title=Kazakhstan turns geography to advantage as China builds a "New Silk Road"|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21632595-kazakhstan-turns-geography-advantage-china-builds-new-silk-road-hardly-oasis|website=www.economist.com}}

External links

[http://www.inform.kz/showarticle.php?lang=eng&id=145827 Kazakhstan, South Korea to set up bus-assembling JV]
[http://www.airastana.com Air Astana website]
[http://www.railways.kz/en Kazakhstan Railways website in English]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20120919233622/http://www.airportwebsite.com/almaty/ Almaty airport details]
[http://www.astanaairport.kz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84&Itemid=389&lang=en Official website for Astana Airport in English]
[http://www.astanaairport.com/ Unofficial website for Astana Airport in English]