The Kazakh government held an emergency meeting over the transport collapse on the border with Russia. Multi-kilometer queues formed at the Alimbet, Zhaisan, and Syrym checkpoints, prompting the Ministry of Transport to set up operational headquarters, reports infohub.kz.
The Cabinet noted that Kazakh checkpoints operate around the clock. Due to the seasonal increase in transit traffic through the country, authorities have stepped up efforts to modernize checkpoints on the border with EAEU countries. This should reduce the time needed for control procedures.
"In addition, to create comfortable conditions for freight carriers, service waiting zones for drivers will be established near priority checkpoints," the government added.
These works are planned to be completed by 2027.
First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev instructed to ensure uninterrupted and accelerated passage of vehicles at the border. The Cabinet has taken the situation under its own control.
Meanwhile, people stuck at the checkpoints complain on social media that they have been waiting in line at the border for more than five hours.
"The Russia-Kazakhstan border from Petukhovo side. At customs for 5.5 hours already. Want to drink (water ran out) and sleep (but can't). First time such. Don't drive this road by car to Kazakhstan," eyewitnesses share.
By the way, this post refers to the Zhanazhol checkpoint in the North Kazakhstan region, where the queue situation is similar.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that trucks piled up on the border with Russia in the Pavlodar region.