Investigative findings reveal systematic issues within KTJ operations, as reported by the Transport Prosecutor's Office.
Ensuring the Rule of Law in Kazakhstan's Railway Transport
Recent discussions have highlighted key issues surrounding the rule of law in Kazakhstan's railway transport, with a focus on JSC "NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ) and the Mainline Network Directorate.
Infrastructure and Regulatory Compliance
KTZ, the state-owned railway company managing the majority of the nation's rail infrastructure, is spearheading significant projects like the Almaty Railway Bypass Project. This project, involving the construction of a 75 km electrified bypass line, aims to enhance capacity, speed, and safety for freight rail in Southeast Kazakhstan. Strict environmental and social policies, such as the AIIB's Environmental and Social Policy and IFC's standards, are being enforced to ensure legal compliance and social safeguards[1].
Capacity and Safety Enhancements
The Almaty Railway Bypass Project, which includes construction of bridges, stations, and overpasses, reflects efforts to modernise Kazakhstan’s rail infrastructure within legal frameworks that prioritise operational safety and adherence to national and international standards[1].
Transit Growth and Logistics Regulation
The growing importance of Kazakhstan as a transport hub is evident in the 4% increase in railway transit volume in the first half of 2025. To maintain the rule of law in operational practices, traffic management, and logistics coordination, entities like the Mainline Network Directorate play a crucial role[3].
International Integration and Legal Frameworks
Kazakhstan's initiatives to integrate regional railways, such as the planned Trans-Afghan Railway, necessitate harmonised legal agreements and compliance mechanisms across borders. This involves Kazakhstan’s transport authorities and KTZ in aligning with international trade, transport, and security laws[2].
Challenges
Despite these improvements in infrastructure, challenges remain. Managing economic displacement, ensuring transparent land acquisition processes, applying environmental and social protections, and preventing any legal violations connected to construction or operational management are key concerns[1]. The increased freight volumes also necessitate enhanced enforcement mechanisms to uphold safe and lawful rail operations.
Measures Taken
To address these challenges, measures have been implemented. These include the application of comprehensive environmental and social policies in large projects, regulatory oversight of railway operations by KTZ and the Mainline Network Directorate, legal frameworks for international rail cooperation, and ongoing monitoring to balance infrastructure growth with legal protections and safety standards[1][2][3].
[1] Environmental and Social Policy, AIIB [2] Trans-Afghan Railway, Kazakhstan Government [3] Railway Transit Volume, Kazakhstan Statistics Bureau
- The Almaty Railway Bypass Project, a significant initiative by the state-owned railway company KTZ, is implementing rigorous environmental and social policies, such as the AIIB's Environmental and Social Policy and IFC's standards, to ensure legal compliance and social safeguards in its construction.
- To ensure the rule of law in operational practices, traffic management, and logistics coordination, entities like the Mainline Network Directorate play a crucial role as Kazakhstan experiences a 4% increase in railway transit volume in the first half of 2025.
- Kazakhstan's initiatives to integrate regional railways, like the planned Trans-Afghan Railway, require harmonized legal agreements and compliance mechanisms across borders, involving Kazakhstan’s transport authorities and KTZ in aligning with international trade, transport, and security laws.
- In the face of growing challenges such as managing economic displacement, ensuring transparent land acquisition processes, applying environmental and social protections, preventing legal violations, and enhancing safety for increased freight volumes, measures have been implemented, including regulatory oversight, legal frameworks for international rail cooperation, and ongoing monitoring to balance infrastructure growth with legal protections and safety standards.
