Roads and Roadside Services: Tourism Infrastructure Developing in the Karaganda Region

To improve transport accessibility to key tourist destinations in the Karaganda region, the national company QazAvtoJol is implementing a comprehensive set of measures. The primary focus is on repairing republican highways and developing high-quality roadside infrastructure that meets national standards for comfort and safety. The total length of federal highways within the region spans 1,843.5 kilometers. In 2025, medium repair work is being conducted on 10 sections covering 291 kilometers. These repairs target the most popular routes for tourists: Karkaraly, Lake Balkhash, and Bayanaul. The Route to Karkaraly The KAZ15 Karaganda – Ayagoz – Tarbagatay – Bogaz highway leads to the Karkaraly resort area. The distance between Karaganda and Karkaraly is 200 kilometers. In 2025, a medium repair project is underway on an 85-kilometer stretch (from km 17 to km 102). The remaining 115 kilometers were previously updated between 2021 and 2024. Currently, this route features: 10 roadside service facilities (6 cafes, 4 gas stations) 3 rest areas 3 outdoor toilets and 1 modern sanitary-hygienic unit Plans for this year include installing an additional sanitary-hygienic unit and a retail area. Furthermore, the installation of power supply, lighting, and septic systems is underway. All facilities are designed to meet national standards, including heated restrooms. The Route to Lake Balkhash Access to Lake Balkhash, as well as the cities of Balkhash and Priozersk, is provided via the KAZ01 Astana – Karaganda (bypass) – Almaty highway. Along the Karaganda – Balkhash – Saryshagan stretch, there are currently 68 roadside service facilities (28 cafes, 22 gas stations, 16 hotels/campgrounds, and 2 service stations), along with 3 rest areas and 4 sanitary units. In 2025, the following additions are planned for this direction: 2 new service facilities 21 new rest areas 6 sanitary-hygienic units These projects are part of the broader reconstruction of the Karaganda – Balkhash – Burylbaytal highway, aimed at significantly increasing the safety and comfort of road travelers. A Leading Region in Infrastructure Efforts to improve road accessibility to tourist sites are currently active in eight regions of Kazakhstan. However, the Karaganda region leads the country in terms of the scope and volume of these projects. Road repairs and infrastructure development are vital components of the strategy to boost the region's tourism appeal. Modern rest zones and high-quality services ensure that residents and guests can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey throughout the Karaganda region.