Altynkol – Zhetygen: 298 km upgraded, up to 26 train pairs per day

A double-track Iintal – Altynkol section with domestic MPC-QZ microprocessor interlocking has been launched on the Altynkol – Zhetygen line. Together with earlier works, the entire 298 km line from Zhetygen to Altynkol is now fully upgraded. The tie-in was completed during a 48-hour possession on 27–28 September, after which a freight train from China via the Altynkol – Khorgos crossing proceeded towards Almaty.

The upgrade began in April 2025: five new passing points were built, track layouts were expanded at seven existing ones, and second tracks totalling 32 km were laid on the limiting Zhetygen – Kurozek and Altynkol – Iintal sections. According to Altynkol station, capacity on the section will rise from 20 to 26 train pairs per day; the overall project target is up to 33 train pairs per day.

At Altynkol station itself, construction of an inspection complex, a hump yard and a hump control post (90% ready) continues, and four additional 1435 mm tracks are nearly complete. Works are due to finish by the end of October. For rail forwarding via Khorgos/Altynkol — across Kazakhstan and to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Turkmenistan — this adds capacity at a key border crossing.

Source: Rail-news.kz, 30 September 2026.