KTZ to сreate unified LTE-R Digital Network for Kazakhstan's railways and international transport corridors

22-06-2026

JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy in cooperation with JSC "Transtelecom" is implementing a project to create a modern LTE-R digital technological network. This network will serve as a unified digital platform for managing the transportation process, railway infrastructure, and rolling stock across the entire territory of Kazakhstan.

The project involves establishing a modern digital communication network along more than 20,000 kilometers of the country's railway lines and constructing approximately 3,000 LTE-R radio communication facilities. This new infrastructure will provide continuous digital coverage across Kazakhstan's key railway routes.

LTE-R will become the fundamental technological basis for deploying development projects in SMART infrastructure, SMART locomotives, digital stations, as well as intelligent monitoring and transportation management systems.

The network will provide real-time data transmission between locomotives, dispatch centers, automation systems, and railway infrastructure facilities, establishing a unified digital space for industry management.

The implementation of the project will allow to:

• Enhance train traffic safety through continuous data exchange between locomotives, dispatch centers, and infrastructure facilities;
• Reduce response times to emergencies and unexpected situations;
• Improve the reliability of technological communications across the entire railway network;
• Minimize the impact of human error on traffic management;
• Deploy advanced video surveillance and video analytics systems;
• Transition from scheduled infrastructure maintenance to data-driven predictive repairs;
• Accelerate operational and managerial decision-making;
• Develop digital services for passengers, including access to modern telecommunication services and in-transit internet connection.
   

The project is of strategic importance for the development of Kazakhstan's transport and logistics potential. LTE-R will establish the technological foundation for implementing intelligent train traffic control systems, optimizing infrastructure utilization, and increasing the capacity of international transport corridors.

The new network will cover major transit routes connecting Kazakhstan with China, Central Asian countries, the Caucasus, Russia, and Europe. Global practice shows that the deployment of digital technologies in rail transport can increase infrastructure capacity by 15–30 percent, elevate safety standards, and lower operational costs without requiring large-scale construction of new railway lines.

In the long term, LTE-R will serve as the bedrock for adopting next-generation railway technologies, including FRMCS and 5G-based solutions.

The implementation of this project will help shape a unified, nationwide digital railway ecosystem, drive the efficiency of transport infrastructure, and reinforce Kazakhstan's position as one of Eurasia's key transport and logistics hubs.

The new network will cover major transit routes connecting Kazakhstan with China, Central Asian countries, the Caucasus, Russia, and Europe. Global practice shows that the deployment of digital technologies in rail transport can increase infrastructure capacity by 15–30 percent, elevate safety standards, and lower operational costs without requiring large-scale construction of new railway lines.

In the long term, LTE-R will serve as the bedrock for adopting next-generation railway technologies, including FRMCS and 5G-based solutions.

The implementation of this project will help shape a unified, nationwide digital railway ecosystem, drive the efficiency of transport infrastructure, and reinforce Kazakhstan's position as one of Eurasia's key transport and logistics hubs.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»