Kazakhstan sees record rail freight turnover for the third time in a row

Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) has achieved a record annual rail freight turnover for the third year in a row. In 2023, turnover grew by seven per cent to 269 billion tonne-kilometres in comparison with the previous year. This growth can partially be attributed to higher transit volumes, in particular to and from China. According to Kanat […]

China seeks speedy deliveries and tests high-speed rail freight

China has started a pilot program for a high-speed rail freight line. The pilot programme runs between the cities of Chongqing and Zhengzhou in central China. The line reportedly saves a day in transport times in comparison with road transportation. Chongqing is an international rail hub for which ambitions go beyond this piloted high-speed line. […]

Why is the U.S. gaining momentum in financing African railway projects?

The discussion regarding increasing rail competition between the U.S. and China in Africa is not new. Recent months have seen the unfolding of U.S.-led initiatives to finance and develop railway projects of great freight significance in the continent. At the same time, Chinese investments that have been a staple in the region for years seem […]

Kyrgyzstan struggles to find money for CKU line construction

Kyrgyzstan is looking for money to build its part of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway line. In an interview about the country’s debt situation, the president reassured the people that no unfeasible loans would be taken. Where the money for the CKU line is going to come from remains unclear. While Kyrgyzstan is willing to take […]