New high-tech checkpoints "Kazygurt" and "Temir-Baba" ws opened
Two updated automobile checkpoints were 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 behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev.
The Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Madi Takiyev and Akim of the Turkestan region Nuralkhan Kusherov took part in the event to open the Kazygurt checkpoint.
Madi Takiyev said that the modernization program covers a total of 9 checkpoints 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 Tagen, Maykapchagai and Bakhty points.
The reconstruction was carried out without closing traffic and reducing throughput. For this, 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 border crossing time at the updated checkpoints was reduced to 30 minutes, the throughput was increased to 1,000 cars per day. Already, through the modernized checkpoints, the traffic flow has increased 2.5 times. So, if in 2022 640 thousand cars crossed the border, now this figure has grown to 1.5 million.
The modernized checkpoint "Kazygurt" is a modern technological complex that meets international standards. It introduced an automatic vehicle registration system, modern scanning equipment, weight and size systems, as well as X-ray television installations, thermal imagers and radiation monitoring equipment. Traffic flows are separated for pedestrians, cars and trucks, which increases safety and convenience. Through automated corridors have been organized for trucks, allowing them to pass technical control without stopping.
In parallel with the infrastructure renewal, 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 in stages, which is a transition to a fully integrated digital customs. The system has already automated work with express cargoes, 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 performance assessment in 2026, which will greatly simplify and speed up the work for the business.
In addition, other projects are underway. So, in April, a large-scale reconstruction of the Zhibek Zholy checkpoint on the border with Uzbekistan began. The new complex will include two modern passenger terminals with a total area of 10 thousand square meters and a single canopy for vehicles. After completion of work in July 2026, the throughput of the point will grow to 70 thousand people and up to 2 thousand cars per day.
One of the most innovative areas is the Bakhty-Pokita project with China. The Chinese side will invest about 50 million US dollars in the creation of fully automated logistics centers in both territories. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to use unmanned electric shuttles for cargo transportation, introduce intelligent logistics, AGV terminals, charging stations and ensure the full integration of digital systems of the two countries, creating one of the most technologically advanced transport corridors in the entire region.
"The launch of new checkpoints is the result of a lot of joint work of government agencies, specialists, engineers, builders and border services. We create a modern, technological and convenient infrastructure that works for the development of the economy and positions Kazakhstan as an open, reliable and competitive transit hub. In addition, the modernization of checkpoints is a systemic step to implement the instructions of the Head of State, aimed at increasing the transit potential of Kazakhstan. We are creating a modern infrastructure that strengthens trade, facilitates business and makes Kazakhstan a key logistics hub in the region," said Finance Minister Madi Takiyev.