The disturbance caused to Silk Road traffic a few days ago because of an alleged malfunction of three cranes in Altynkol seems to have been resolved. Industry sources say there is no specific update, and the cranes are under repair. However, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) claims Altynkol works around the clock without disruptions.

The industry reported a traffic disruption in Altynkol on 11 October. According to Silk Road professionals, three broken cranes made train processing impossible, resulting in congestion on Altynkol but also at other border crossings since trains were redirected.

Despite the initial disruption that seemed significant, the overall impact of the broken cranes was limited to two or three fewer processed trains per day. Nevertheless, the situation seems resolved now.

Working around the clock

KTZ explained that no disruptions occur at the moment at Altynkol. The company said, “cargo and containers from China are accepted around the clock at the border station.” Traffic seems normal, with 14 daily trains processed in Altynkol’s transhipment terminals like Khorgos Gateway, Eurotranzit and Kedentransservice JSC.

The state-owned railway company also stressed that all transhipment terminals in the Altynkol station operate as usual and that their equipment which includes hoisting and overhead cranes as well as truck cranes and reach stackers, works in good condition.

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• Broken cranes in the Altynkol terminal create Silk Road mayhem