Kazakhstan is preparing to transform its freight logistics sector with the launch of driverless lorries on international routes by 2027, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev announced during a government briefing. The project, developed in partnership with neighbouring Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, aims to dramatically increase transit speed, reduce costs, and modernize transport infrastructure.
According to Sauranbayev, one of the key advantages of autonomous freight transport is the elimination of delays caused by manual border procedures.
“If a driverless lorry crosses the border independently, this will significantly speed up the process… I believe that launching a major pilot with our neighbours in 2027 will greatly strengthen Kazakhstan’s transit potential,” he stated.
Beyond reducing border queues, autonomous trucks are expected to substantially lower transportation expenses by removing driver-related costs. Their capacity to operate 24/7 will also triple delivery speeds and reduce emissions, marking a major step toward cleaner logistics.
Kazakhstan is already adapting its infrastructure for this technological leap. New motorways are being designed with embedded sensors and digital features to support fully driverless operations.
The minister emphasized that planning is conducted with a long-term outlook of 40–50 years, ensuring that modern highways can accommodate electric, autonomous, and even extended road-train vehicle formats expected to dominate freight transport between 2036 and 2040.
Sauranbayev also highlighted the ongoing development of digital road passports under the e-Joldar program. This initiative will lay the groundwork for smooth integration of driverless technologies nationwide.
With discussions already underway for a joint EAEU pilot project, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional leader in next-generation logistics, aiming to unlock new transit opportunities and advance its role as a key transport hub across Eurasia.
