Kazakhstan is once again struggling with major congestion problems on its rail network. This time, traffic is not only limited at the border with China, but also in the country’s north and south, around Kostanay and Almaty.
There is a persistent problem with accumulating wagons, both empty and loaded, at the border crossings in Dostyk and Altynkol. At the same time, there are trains with empty wagons standing still in the direction of these border crossings as well, reducing the throughput capacity of these rail sections.
As a result, Kazakhstan is struggling with hard limitations in terms of allowing imports and exports flowing to and from China. The country is taking measures to alleviate the situation: It has banned various types of wagons from being sent to the Dostyk border crossing, including empty wagons, leased covered wagons, semiwagons and tank cars independent of its ownership.
The situation strongly reminds of similar measures taken last year, when there were dozens of trains waiting at the Kazakh – Chinese border.
Not only on the border
The ban has not only been introduced due to the accumulation of wagons in Dostyk, but also because of the rail upgrades in the direction of Moyynty, according to Kazakh media. Moreover, no wagons are allowed to be moved between Altynkol and Dostyk. The measures are supposed to stay in place throughout the entire month of February.
Similarly, various types of wagons are not allowed to enter stations in Kostanay and the country’s largest city, Almaty. At the former, 820 wagons accumulated and are standing still on the tracks. There are also too many wagons around Almaty, for which reason a similar ban has been introduced. Both will remain in effect until the end of the month.
Lastly, Kazakhstan introduced a ban on the transport of wheat and barley grain, flax seeds and oilseeds, compound feed, flour and bran to Altynkol. This measure is supposed to remain in force until 20 February. According to Kazakh media, there are even more places affected by the congestion issues, but they do not name any specific locations.