The modernization of the Zhezkazgan-Kyzylorda highway, with the subsequent opening of traffic along its entire length, will be completed in the coming months. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
This was stated by the akim of Ulytau region, Yesset Baiken. His words were cited by the akim's press service.
Work on the highway is 90 percent complete
"Work on the Zhezkazgan-Kyzylorda highway has already been completed by 90 percent. Traffic is planned to open in the coming months. On the Zhezkazgan – Karaganda direction, work on the construction of the roadbed and material and technical support is planned to be fully completed this year. In addition, repairs to the 89-kilometer section of the Ulytau-Arkalyk road will be completed in October," the akim's press service quoted him as saying.
Yesset Baiken spoke at the opening ceremony of the railway station in the regional center – the city of Zhezkazgan. In addition, the modernization of stations at Kyzylzhar, Karazhal and in Zhanaarka has been completed. Currently, Ulytau region is connected by rail with six regions of Kazakhstan. The modernized stations will create more comfortable and safe conditions for residents of the region and guests of the oblast.
Modernization of stations is an important step in infrastructure development
The akim noted that the modernization of stations is an important step in the development of the region's transport infrastructure. Currently, construction of the Kyzylzhar-Moiynty railway line is also underway, which will increase the country's transit potential.
Earlier, Kazakhstanis on social media repeatedly complained about the terrible condition of the Zhezkazgan-Kyzylorda highway, which connects two regional centers along the shortest route. This road also allows a shorter route from Kyzylorda to Astana and further to the north of the country or to the Russian Federation, however, due to the poor quality of the road surface, and after the start of modernization, detours on certain sections, drivers prefer to take the longer route through the south of the country (about 2 thousand km through the south, Balkhash and Karaganda).
The length of the highway is 424 km
The length of the Zhezkazgan-Kyzylorda highway is 424 km, of which 216 km falls on Kyzylorda region. In November 2025, the akim of Kyzylorda region, Nurlybek Nalibayev (now First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan), reported that the reconstruction of the 216 km section in Kyzylorda region had been completed. The section in Ulytau region is still in progress. Work on the modernization of the Zhezkazgan-Kyzylorda highway was started back in 2022.