In August, the network of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy transported 1,157,000 tons of grain, a 35% increase compared to the same period last year. This represents more than 16,300 railcars. The first million tons of the new season were already harvested at the start of the harvest campaign, according to the APK News agency.
895,000 tons were exported, a 46% increase, while 262,000 tons were shipped domestically. Milled product shipments increased by 18%.
The main growth came from traditional markets in Central Asia, with a 45% increase. Shipments to China doubled, and to Afghanistan, more than tripled.
"The harvest began earlier than usual this year, and peak shipments shifted to August. The network handled it without any restrictions. The company entered the season with a sufficient fleet, with approximately 15,200 grain trucks and 17,100 covered wagons operating on its network. "With consistent requests from shippers and timely unloading, the new harvest will be transported by the existing fleet," KTZ clarified.
To coordinate the transportation of the new harvest, an operational headquarters is in place involving KTZ divisions and subsidiaries, wagon fleet operators, seaports, grain unions, and exporters. Similar headquarters are in place in the freight transportation departments.
The peak harvest season traditionally occurs in September and October. KTZ provides priority movement of grain cargo on all routes and constantly monitors the transportation of grain and milled products.