Kazakhstan considers changes to toll road payment system

Kazakhstan is considering introducing new toll payment rules for commercial freight transport using toll roads. No changes are planned to the payment arrangements applicable to privately owned passenger vehicles, El.kz reports citing the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The proposals were discussed at the first meeting of the working group chaired by Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy. The Government aims to increase revenue allocated to the maintenance and repair of roads, which continue to be financed from the state budget.

One of the options under consideration is to revise toll rates for freight carriers, taking into account the rates applied in neighbouring countries. At the same time, the proposals include establishing separate arrangements for Kazakhstani companies and examining the possibility of introducing insurance requirements for foreign trucks entering the country.

KazAvtoZhol proposed considering annual subscription-based passes for transport companies, involving advance payment for the projected distance to be travelled. According to the company, this mechanism could help reduce outstanding payment arrears and make transport operators’ costs more predictable.

Another initiative concerns the introduction of differentiated toll rates. These would be calculated based on the truck’s environmental classification, emissions levels and the impact of the vehicle on road pavement.

The working group also discussed the digital monitoring of truck movements and the payment of tolls on designated sections of roads. No specific revised rates or implementation date have yet been approved.

“We are building roads, but their maintenance and repair costs continue to be covered by the state budget. It is necessary to establish a system under which road infrastructure generates sufficient revenue to cover its own maintenance costs,” Serik Zhumangarin stated.

The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the working group to prepare the initial proposals by the end of November. They will be reviewed jointly with government agencies, industry associations and the business community.