Kazakhstan Opens Strategic Highway to Strengthen Trade with China

Kazakhstan has officially opened the fully reconstructed Kalbatau-Maikapshagay highway, a 415-kilometer route linking the country’s central and eastern regions directly to the Chinese border.

The large-scale infrastructure project was implemented under the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with financial backing from the Export-Import Bank of China and Kazakhstan’s national budget, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

It forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize transport networks and unlock the country's transit and logistics potential.

Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The upgraded highway spans ten reconstructed sections and two road maintenance zones in the Abai and East Kazakhstan regions. While the primary construction is now complete, final touches-including rest areas and service facilities-are expected to be completed by the end of November.

The project prioritized the use of local resources, significantly benefiting the regional economy:

8 asphalt plants produced 2.4 million tons of asphalt mix

1.3 million cubic meters of crushed stone were used

Over 1,800 workers and 1,100 pieces of construction equipment were involved

Key infrastructure additions include:

37 bridges

2 overpasses

2 interchanges

349 culverts

5 rest zones and 2 sanitary facilities for drivers and passengers

A Key Link in Regional Connectivity

Darkhan Imanashev, Chairman of the Managing Board at KazAvtoZhol, emphasized the strategic role of the newly reconstructed highway in national and regional development:

“This road is a vital link connecting central and eastern Kazakhstan with the Chinese border. It not only boosts transit capacity but also improves interregional connectivity, enhances road safety, and creates better travel conditions for our citizens.”

The Kalbatau-Maikapshagay highway is part of Kazakhstan’s ambitious infrastructure program. According to government plans, the country will construct 4,700 kilometers of new national highways, further solidifying its position as a key transit corridor in Eurasia.