Two upgraded road border crossing points have been put into operation: “Kazygurt” on the border with Uzbekistan and “Temir-baba” on the border with Turkmenistan. The opening of the facilities took place within the framework of the state program for the modernization of border infrastructure, which is being implemented on the instruction of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The opening ceremony of the “Kazygurt” border crossing point was attended by Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Madi Takiyev and Akim of Turkistan Region Nuralhan Kusherov.

The modernization program covers a total of 9 border crossing points located on the borders with China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Work at a number of facilities, including “Kaplanbek,” “Atameken,” “Kolzhat,” and “Alakol,” has already been completed, and by the end of the year it is planned to modernize the “Tazhen,” “Maikapchagai,” and “Bakhty” crossing points.

Reconstruction was carried out without closing traffic or reducing capacity. For this purpose, a temporary traffic scheme was organized, which made it possible to avoid the formation of queues and maintain uninterrupted freight and passenger traffic.

As a result of the introduction of new technologies, the time required to cross the border at the upgraded checkpoints has been reduced to 30 minutes, and capacity has increased to up to 1,000 vehicles per day. Already now, traffic through the modernized border crossing points has increased 2.5 times. Thus, if 640 thousand vehicles crossed the border in 2022, this figure has currently grown to 1.5 million.

The modernized “Kazygurt” border crossing point is a modern high-tech complex that meets international standards. It features an automated vehicle registration system, modern scanning equipment, weight and dimension control systems, as well as X-ray television units, thermal imagers, and radiation monitoring equipment. Traffic flows are separated for pedestrians, passenger cars, and freight transport, which increases safety and convenience. For trucks, through automated corridors have been organized, allowing technical inspection to be carried out without stopping.

In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan is actively working on the digitalization of customs procedures. The “Keden” information system is being introduced step by step, representing a transition to a fully integrated digital customs system. The system has already automated the handling of express cargo, goods accounting, and virtual warehouses. Currently, a module for declaring goods and services based on artificial intelligence is being launched. The goal is to complete the full cycle of electronic declaration and introduce new modules for control, expertise, and efficiency assessment in 2026, which will significantly simplify and accelerate operations for businesses.

In addition, other projects are at the implementation stage. Thus, in April, a large-scale reconstruction of the “Zhibek Zholy” border crossing point on the border with Uzbekistan began. The new complex will include two modern passenger terminals with a total area of 10,000 square meters and a single canopy for vehicles. After completion of the work in July 2026, the capacity of the crossing point will increase to up to 70,000 people and up to 2,000 passenger cars per day.

One of the most innovative areas is the joint Kazakhstan–China project “Bakhty – Pokitu.” The Chinese side is investing about $50 million in the creation of fully automated logistics centers on both territories. As part of the project, it is planned to use unmanned electric shuttles for cargo transportation, introduce intelligent logistics, AGV terminals, charging stations, and ensure full integration of the digital systems of the two countries, creating one of the most technologically advanced transport corridors in the entire region.

“The launch of new border crossing points is the result of extensive joint work by government agencies, specialists, engineers, builders, and border services. We are creating modern, technological, and convenient infrastructure that works for economic development and positions Kazakhstan as an open, reliable, and competitive transit hub. In addition, the modernization of border crossing points is a systemic step in implementing the instruction of the Head of State aimed at increasing Kazakhstan’s transit potential. We are creating modern infrastructure that strengthens trade, facilitates business operations, and makes Kazakhstan a key logistics hub of the region,” Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev emphasized.

 

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