Ministry confirms high-speed train from Astana to Atyrau won’t return

Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Transport has addressed the question of whether the high-speed train service between Astana and Atyrau will resume.
The ministry highlighted that passenger rail services on socially significant routes are funded through the state budget.

"In organizing passenger trains, we consider population forecasts, the demand from residents of relevant regions, and the technical and technological capabilities to ensure efficient use of allocated funds," the ministry noted.

The high-speed Talgo train, numbered 19/20, operated from April 1, 2020, to December 12, 2021, as an alternative to the standard train service on route 47/48. However, due to low profitability - with an average occupancy rate of 47 percent in 2021 - the Talgo service was suspended in December 2021.
Given the continued operation of the standard train 47/48 on this route year-round, the ministry confirmed that there are no plans to reinstate the Talgo service.
Therefore, passengers shouldn’t expect the return of the high-speed Astana-Atyrau train in the near future.