Why is this important
Border checkpoints directly affect the speed of people and cargo movement between countries and the state of regional trade. Infrastructure modernization reduces queues, simplifies control procedures, and increases the border’s capacity. For Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the renovation and opening of key checkpoints is important for both the economy and the daily mobility of citizens.
What happened
- The opening of the “Gishtkuprik” (“Chernyaevka”) border customs post on the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border is planned for the summer of 2026.
- Kazakhstan has commissioned two upgraded automobile checkpoints — “Kazygurt” on the border with Uzbekistan and “Temir-baba” on the border with Turkmenistan.
- Kazakhstan is implementing a program to modernize border checkpoints, covering facilities on the borders with China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
- In April, large-scale reconstruction of the “Zhibek Zholy” (Gishtkuprik) checkpoint on the border with Uzbekistan began.
Numbers and facts
- The modernization program includes 9 checkpoints at Kazakhstan’s external borders.
- Work has already been completed at the “Kaplanbek”, “Atameken”, “Kolzhat”, and “Alakol” points.
- By the end of the year, it is planned to modernize the “Tajen”, “Maykapchagay”, and “Bakhty” checkpoints.
- The new complex of the “Zhibek Zholy” point will include two passenger terminals with a total area of 10 thousand square meters and a single canopy for vehicles.
- After the completion of the work in July 2026, the point’s capacity will be up to 70 thousand people and up to 2 thousand passenger cars per day.
Context
- The opening and modernization of checkpoints will increase the capacity of the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border.
- The implementation of automated systems will allow passengers and vehicles to quickly pass control.
- The reconstruction of “Gishtkuprik” will create a more modern and technologically advanced infrastructure for one of the region’s key border crossings.
