Kazakhstan is moving from short-term repairs to long-term infrastructure modernization as the Government advances a nationwide programme covering water resources, energy, transport, utilities and regional development, DKNews.kz reports.
The large-scale transformation follows priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address, where digital transformation, resilient infrastructure and modern public utilities were identified as key drivers of the country's future growth.
Water infrastructure enters a new phase
Water management remains one of the Government's top priorities.
In 2025, Kazakhstan launched 22 water infrastructure projects worth more than KZT 218 billion, including group water pipelines and water supply facilities that improved access to drinking water for 321 villages with a combined population of more than 945,000 people.
This year, the country plans to complete:
- Karakuys and Baidibek Ata reservoirs in Turkestan Region
- Andas-3 reservoir in Zhambyl Region
- The Zhabay River regulating reservoir in Akmola Region
- Twelve additional water supply projects serving another 142 villages and around 540,000 residents
Large-scale canal reconstruction is also continuing. During the first half of 2026, 206 km of canals were modernized, while more than 976 km are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Digital technologies improve water management
Kazakhstan is increasingly relying on digital tools to manage water resources more efficiently.
Key initiatives include:
- More than 28,000 electronic water-use agreements registered through the Billing digital platform
- Introduction of the TALSIM hydrological model, developed with UNDP, which achieved 85% forecasting accuracy during last year's spring floods
- Expansion of river basin modelling from nine to fourteen basins by the end of 2026
The Government has also increased state support for farmers by raising reimbursement for water-saving technologies from 50% to 80%.
New reservoirs and climate resilience projects
Kazakhstan has launched the first phase of its Climate-Resilient Water Resources Development project.
The programme includes:
- Construction of three new reservoirs
- Reconstruction of two existing reservoirs
- Modernization and automation of 103 canals stretching nearly 979 km
International partners have already committed more than USD 15.9 million in grant funding to support the initiative.
Energy sector prepares for future demand
Kazakhstan currently operates 254 power plants, where the average equipment wear stands at 56%.
To meet growing electricity demand, the country plans to commission more than 26 GW of new generating capacity by 2035.
Construction is progressing on new combined heat and power plants in:
- Kokshetau
- Semey
- Ust-Kamenogorsk
Renewable energy continues to expand
The country's renewable energy sector continues to grow steadily.
Kazakhstan now operates 172 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity exceeding 3.8 GW, including:
- 71 wind farms
- 54 solar power plants
- 44 hydropower stations
- 3 biogas plants
Ten additional renewable energy projects are planned for 2026, with seven already commissioned.
Oil refining and gas production receive major upgrades
The Government is expanding domestic refining capacity to move further into higher-value processing.
Major refinery modernization projects are underway:
- Pavlodar refinery: from 5.5 to 9 million tonnes annually
- Shymkent refinery: from 6 to 12 million tonnes
- Atyrau refinery: from 5.5 to 6.7 million tonnes
Planning has also begun for a new refinery with annual capacity of 10 million tonnes.
During the first six months of 2026:
- Oil production reached 45.7 million tonnes
- Oil refining totaled 8.985 million tonnes
- Gas production reached 31.9 billion cubic metres
Utility networks receive record investment
Through the "Tariff in Exchange for Investments" programme, Kazakhstan attracted approximately KZT 605 billion for utility infrastructure over the past two years.
The investment financed repairs of 12,300 km of engineering networks, reducing average infrastructure wear by 6.2 percentage points.
The National Project on Energy and Utilities Modernization aims to:
- Reduce infrastructure wear to 40%
- Cut emergency incidents by 20%
- Invest around KZT 13 trillion in the sector
Plans include modernizing 86,000 km of utility networks nationwide.
Transport infrastructure expands across the country
Kazakhstan continues investing heavily in transport infrastructure.
In 2026, construction and repair work covers a record 11,000 km of roads, including national highways and local roads.
Transit freight also continues to grow.
During January-June 2026:
- Transit cargo reached 21.7 million tonnes
- Growth amounted to 24% compared with the same period last year
The country is also expanding its toll road network from 4,900 km to 6,700 km.
Aviation and rail projects move forward
Kazakhstan's aviation sector continues expanding international connectivity.
The country currently maintains air links with:
- 32 countries
- 158 international routes
- 915 weekly international flights
Infrastructure projects include airport construction in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay and Kenderli, restoration of Arkalyk Airport, expansion of Shymkent Airport, modernization of Almaty Airport and runway reconstruction in Pavlodar and Urzhar.
Railway development also remains a priority.
Key projects include:
- Launch of the second Dostyk-Moyynty railway line
- Construction of the Kyzylzhar-Moyynty railway
- Development of the Almaty Bypass Line
- Procurement of 775 locomotives
- Modernization of 124 railway stations
- Construction of eight new vessels to strengthen Caspian Sea transport
Supporting regional and rural development
The Government is also investing in balanced regional growth.
The Aul – El Besigi programme continues upgrading rural infrastructure, while the Aul Amanaty initiative provides affordable financing for rural entrepreneurs.
Additional support measures include:
- Low-interest business loans
- Housing loans for young specialists moving to rural areas
- Investments in roads, engineering networks and social facilities
- Funding for projects in small towns and regional centres
Why it matters
Kazakhstan's infrastructure programme represents one of the country's largest modernization efforts in recent years. By combining digital technologies with long-term investment in water, energy, transport and public utilities, the Government aims to improve public services, strengthen economic resilience, support regional development and create the foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
