Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Expand Cross-Border Rail Transport

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a working visit to the under-construction Darbaza–Maktaaral rail line, Talgat Aldibergenov, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s JSC “NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy,” met with Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s JSC “Uzbekistan Railways.”

The meeting, held at Maktaaral station, focused on the results of freight transport and prospects for developing cross-border railway infrastructure.

The parties noted record levels of cooperation: 2025 was the best year in the past decade, with freight volumes between the two countries reaching 32.3 million tons, 16% higher than in 2024. Kazakh exports totaled 13 million tons (+8.5%), while grain shipments to Uzbekistan increased by 32%, exceeding 4.5 million tons. The positive trend continued in early 2026: 6.6 million tons were transported in January–February, a 37.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Further growth in cargo traffic is expected by year-end.

Special attention was given to the construction of the new Darbaza–Maktaaral line, connecting to the international border crossing at Maktaaral–Syrdarya. The railway leaders exchanged information on junction development and infrastructure modernization, including the implementation of modern automatic block signaling and centralized communication systems.

Both chairmen emphasized the high value of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their intention to maintain close dialogue to strengthen the region’s transit potential.