Kazakhstan Breaks Ground on Syr Darya Bridge for Key Railway Expansion

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company, has begun preparatory work for the construction of a major bridge over the Syr Darya River, marking a significant step in the implementation of the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line project.

The bridge will stretch 500 meters, forming a key part of the new railway corridor designed to enhance Kazakhstan’s export and transit capabilities, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

The railway line, commissioned by the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is regarded as a strategic infrastructure initiative. It aims to bolster regional connectivity, increase export flow to Central Asian nations, and strengthen the country's role as a vital transit hub in the region.

Beyond its logistical importance, the project is also expected to have a transformational socio-economic impact on the Turkistan region, particularly for the Maktaaral and Zhetisay districts. By linking these remote areas directly to the national railway network, the new line will eliminate the current reliance on transit routes through Uzbekistan, streamlining domestic and cross-border transport.

KTZ plans to complete the full construction of the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line, including the Syr Darya bridge, by 2026.