Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a Government session on the development of the road sector. Particular attention was given to the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions delivered at the extended Government meeting regarding new highway projects, including the development of the interregional road network.

Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev reported on the current situation and development plans for the sector. Chairman of the Management Board of KazAvtoZhol National Company Darkhan Imanashev provided an update on road construction and the introduction of digital solutions. Head of the National Center for Quality of Road Assets Bolatbek Aitbayev reported on quality control of road construction works. Akims of Mangystau, Atyrau, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetisu regions also presented reports.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the total length of public roads in Kazakhstan is 95,000 kilometers, of which 25,000 kilometers belong to the national network and 70,000 kilometers to the local network. Over the next three years, 32,000 kilometers of local roads are planned to be brought to regulatory condition, increasing coverage fivefold. By 2029, medium repairs are planned for 10,000 kilometers, of which 5,000 kilometers have already been completed.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed the need to complete project documentation this year for key projects, including Karaganda–Zhezkazgan, Beineu–Saksaulsky, and others. It is also important to accelerate implementation of the Center–West project, which will connect the capital with Arkalyk and Irgiz. Oversight has been assigned to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar. Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted financing of the Center–West project.

In response to the growing number of public complaints about road quality, regional administrations have been instructed to promptly address citizens’ appeals, strengthen control over repair works, and conduct explanatory outreach.

“High-quality roads are not only about travel comfort but also the foundation of economic growth and regional investment attractiveness. Strict compliance with construction and reconstruction technologies and timely implementation of projects are responsibilities of both the Ministry of Transport and all regional administrations. These issues must remain under the constant control of top officials,” Olzhas Bektenov stated.

Emphasis was also placed on the development of roadside services, including facilities near border checkpoints. It was noted that an increasing number of facilities are being brought into compliance with national standards; however, service centers are mainly concentrated in densely populated areas. They should be opened more evenly, with proper signage indicating distances to service facilities, fuel stations, and hotels. Measures should also be taken to develop roadside services near border crossings to support freight carriers.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of high-quality services for heavy trucks, particularly given the growing volume of transit traffic. This is a promising service segment that domestic businesses can develop.

Overall, the need for comprehensive implementation of new road projects, infrastructure development, and completion of the full scope of repair works was emphasized.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister issued several instructions:

1. Development of roadside services. The Ministry of Transport, together with regional administrations, must develop by May 1 a detailed roadmap for roadside service development in each region, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and business support measures.
2. Digital transformation of the road sector. The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, together with KazAvtoZhol National Company and the National Center for Quality of Road Assets, must ensure by the end of the year the operation of a unified digital platform for monitoring road conditions, integrating data across all levels of the road network. This tool will enable real-time visibility and timely elimination of defects.
3. Road safety. The Ministry of Transport, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and regional administrations, must update by May 1 joint action plans to improve road safety, with a focus on accident-prone sections and access roads to major cities.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Government session #Highways #President's instruction

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