Khorgos Gateway: Development Prospects of Central Asia's Largest Dry Port and Its Role in Eurasian Transit

Author:
Assem Mukhamediyeva - Managing Director of New Projects and Marketing, KTZ Express

In the modern international transport corridor system, transit efficiency increasingly depends on the development level of nodal infrastructure, which ensures speed, reliability, and connectivity of logistics processes. The establishment of such elements becomes a systemic factor for route competitiveness. One of the most illustrative examples in Eurasia is the Khorgos Gateway dry port.

Amid growing competition among alternative Eurasian transit routes, such infrastructure nodes serve as focal points for economic efficiency, transport resilience, and shipper trust.

This role did not arise by chance. Launched in 2015 as part of the "Khorgos – Eastern Gate" Special Economic Zone, the Khorgos Gateway dry port was developed as a core element of Kazakhstan's transport-logistics system. From the outset, the terminal was designed as an international transit hub, providing compatibility between 1520 mm and 1435 mm railway standards and integration of rail and road routes within a unified operational framework.

The port's functional capabilities are largely determined by its operating conditions. Its location in the Zhetysu region, near the border with China and at an optimal distance from Almaty, combined with favorable climate conditions, enables continuous and rhythmic cargo handling. Direct access to the Khorgos–Almaty international highway and integration with the "Belt and Road" infrastructure solidify Khorgos Gateway's role as a key Eurasian logistics node.

However, geography alone does not ensure logistics stability. The key factor for Khorgos Gateway's stable operation was the initially planned infrastructure model, which has been gradually supplemented with technological and operational solutions. Today, the terminal covers over 129 hectares and can simultaneously accommodate more than 18,000 containers. Operations are managed via the TOS-KG automated system, providing precise tracking, centralized control, and efficient cargo management.

The technological base is complemented by extensive warehousing and technical infrastructure. The dry port has temporary storage facilities, including refrigerated warehouses with a wide range of temperature regimes. The fleet of specialized equipment exceeds 60 units, enabling control of the full logistics cycle—from cargo reception and sorting to train formation and documentation.

Institutional development has also been crucial. In 2017, the port reached a new level by attracting Lianyungang port group and COSCO Shipping. The partnership was formalized under the "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Forum.

Under this agreement, Chinese partners received a 49% stake, while the controlling share remained with Kazakhstan. Attracting anchor investors combined the expertise of leading international logistics operators and created a stable foundation for long-term utilization and infrastructure development of Khorgos Gateway.

The results of this model are reflected in operational growth. Since its launch, container throughput has increased over 50 times. Today, the dry port handles approximately 380,000 TEUs annually, solidifying its status as Central Asia's largest dry port.

Infrastructure development has been systematic. In 2025, a comprehensive track expansion increased the terminal's capacity from 540,000 to 800,000 TEUs per year. These measures optimize logistics processes, accelerate train handling, and enhance operational stability.

In the near future, further infrastructure expansion and technological solutions are planned to reduce processing time, increase route flexibility, and lower operational costs.

Beyond its transport function, Khorgos Gateway has a notable socio-economic impact, supporting the development of Panfilov district, creating jobs, and fostering a favorable investment environment.

The management model and project scale have gained academic recognition: the case "KTZ Express: Operating the Largest Dry Port in the World" is included in curricula at HKUST, Moscow School of Management "Skolkovo," and Nazarbayev University.

Today, Khorgos Gateway continues to develop, strengthening its status as a key dry port in Eurasia. Systematic infrastructure expansion, technological development, and a well-established operational model create a new standard of logistics services, reinforcing Kazakhstan not only as a transit country but also as an active participant in Eurasian logistics architecture.

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