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Kazakhstan is discussing changes to toll payments for commercial trucks, including foreign trucks, but no specific rates have been proposed yet. Proposals for privately owned passenger cars were not considered at the working group’s first meeting, the government reports (kursiv.media). Ideas include annual passes, charges based on the strain vehicles put on road surfaces, and separate terms for Kazakhstani operators. Initial proposals are due by the end of November.
Whose toll payments could change
The working group, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, focused on commercial trucks. The discussions cover both Kazakhstani and foreign operators as the government seeks additional funding for road maintenance and repairs.
These costs are still covered by the budget. Zhumangarin set out the goal: “We need to build a system in which road infrastructure generates enough revenue to cover its own maintenance.”
Will the proposals affect privately owned passenger cars?
Proposals for privately owned passenger cars were not considered at the first meeting. The deputy prime minister instructed the group to focus its further work on commercial trucks, without affecting privately owned passenger cars.
This is the approach set out for the group’s work. The new payment terms still need to be drawn up and discussed with government agencies, industry associations and businesses.
What could determine a truck’s toll rate?
Logistics and transport expert Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly proposed exploring a rate based on a vehicle’s environmental class, emissions and the strain it puts on road surfaces. Under this proposal, heavier trucks with higher emissions would pay more.
Independent insurance expert Aigerim Karabiyikoglu proposed exploring rates closer to regional levels. She also suggested considering separate terms for Kazakhstani operators.
Another of her ideas is insurance for foreign trucks entering Kazakhstan. The expert believes such a mechanism could provide funding for road repairs. This is a proposal for discussion.
How operators could save on tolls
KazAvtoZhol business analyst Farhad Nurkamalov proposed annual passes for transport companies. Operators would be able to pay in advance for the distance they plan to travel and save money when covering large distances.
He said this approach would also help reduce outstanding debts and improve payment collection. The potential savings and the cost of the passes have yet to be determined: participants at the first meeting only presented ideas.
How toll payments could be monitored, and the timeline
Participants proposed making wider use of digital tools to track truck movements, including travel on toll sections. The aim is to reduce toll evasion.
Initial proposals must be prepared by the end of November and presented at the working group’s next meeting. Zhumangarin instructed the group to take operators’ interests into account and distribute road maintenance costs fairly when developing the proposals.
Separately, Kazakhstan plans to raise toll road rates annually in 2027–2029.
In plain English
Several payment options are being discussed for commercial operators, but there are no new rates yet. If you are planning transport costs, watch for the outcome of the next meeting: initial proposals are due by the end of November. The group’s current proposals do not affect owners of privately owned passenger cars.
