A Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov addressed the issues of improving the quality of automobile roads. The current situation and development plans for the sector were reviewed, taking into account the tasks set by the President for the modernization of the transport network.

Deputy Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov and President of JSC “KazDorNII” Arman Alibaeva presented reports during the session.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the total length of the country’s road network is 185,000 km, including 25,000 km of national roads, 70,000 km of local roads, and 90,000 km of urban streets.

Maksat Kaliakparov reported on the measures being taken to improve the quality of roads. In 2025, 13,000 km will be covered by works, including 2,000 km for the reconstruction of the national network, 6,600 km for the repair of roads between regional centers, and 4,100 km for the local network. By the end of 2025, the proportion of roads in normative condition is expected to reach 94% for national roads and 91% for local roads.

At the legislative level, a number of amendments have been adopted: a ban on commissioning facilities without eliminating remarks from the Quality Center, and since 2023 all medium repair projects are required to undergo departmental examination for the correctness of design solutions and their costs.

As part of this work, in the first seven months of 2025, there has been a 2% reduction in substandard road construction materials and defects, and a 14% increase in the conversion of local gravel roads to asphalt concrete surfaces. In addition, the optimization of design solutions has saved more than 1 billion tenge, and diagnostic coverage of local roads has reached 50%.

To increase the accountability of road construction participants, digital systems and automation mechanisms for examinations at all stages of work have been introduced, a comprehensive inspection of 384 asphalt plants has been carried out, as well as turnkey contracts and preliminary examination of project documentation by JSC “KazDorNII.” These measures ensure improved road quality, control over budget expenditures, and sustainable infrastructure improvements.

President of JSC “KazDorNII” Arman Alibaeva reported on the introduction of digital technologies in the road sector. Over the past five years, the institute has carried out more than 20 research projects aimed at improving road construction and repair technologies. Today, several digital projects are being implemented across the country. To improve the quality of design, a unified database of road construction materials has been introduced, as well as the Superpave technology, designed to use durable and reliable road surfaces by accurately selecting materials for specific climatic conditions and traffic intensity.

The Jolshy database of road sector specialists, with more than 2,000 users, provides access to analytical information, monitoring of staffing changes, and tracking of specialist qualifications to ensure the quality of road construction work. Currently, “KazDorNII” is developing a road accident analysis portal aimed at systematically assessing accident causes and improving road safety.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the need for further road network development. By 2030, about 4,000 km of roads need to be reconstructed. This year, a number of key projects are expected to be completed, while it is important to launch new ones with high project readiness, such as Aktobe–Ulgaysyn, Karaganda–Zhezkazgan, Atyrau–Dossor, bypasses of the cities of Saryagash, Petropavlovsk, Rudny, and Kyzylorda, as well as ensure medium repairs of 2,500 km of roads.

The Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, and KazAvtoZhol have been instructed to ensure financing and contractor selection, while the Ministries of Industry and Construction and Transport must develop and approve a mechanism for parallel state expertise and construction and installation works for the accelerated implementation of major turnkey projects.

Olzhas Bektenov highlighted issues requiring immediate attention. He named regions, including Zhetysu and Almaty regions, where the practice of commissioning facilities despite remarks from the National Quality Center continues.

Problems were noted with contractor compliance with warranty obligations and the use of substandard materials. As an example, the Pavlodar highway showed uplifted concrete pavement, and in North Kazakhstan region 43% of tested samples did not meet quality standards. The greatest criticism from residents regarding road quality was observed in Atyrau and Turkistan regions. The Prime Minister instructed to extend warranty periods and strengthen the responsibility of contractors for poor warranty fulfillment.

Attention was also given to the financing and efficiency of local road development. The Prime Minister emphasized that despite significant budget allocations, some regions are slow in utilizing funds. In Abai region, disbursement stands at 42%, in Aktobe region – 52%, and in Akmola region – 56%.

“Given the above violations, I instruct the Ministry of Transport and the National Quality Center to check the implementation of all road projects by October 1. Based on the results, submit a report and proposals for punishing those responsible. I instruct the Ministries of Transport and Finance to prepare decisions on strengthening the activities of the National Quality Center,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Highways #President's instruction

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