East Kazakhstan revives water transport to ease road congestion near Bukhtarma

Passenger water transport is making a comeback in East Kazakhstan Region. The move aims to cut road traffic heading to the popular Bukhtarma resort areas. Plans are now in motion to expand services across the vast reservoir. The Bukhtarma Reservoir stretches 500 kilometres long and 40 kilometres wide. Its size makes it ideal for large-scale water transport and tourism projects. Local authorities are pushing to develop passenger routes and multi-day trips.

Oleg Belov, director of the Belalex project and an experienced shipmaster, supports the idea of cruise ships with overnight cabins. Such vessels would allow tourists to explore the reservoir over several days. Meanwhile, talks with the Russian Federation are ongoing to create a joint venture for managing these services. The revival of water transport is expected to reduce pressure on overcrowded roads. Residents and visitors could soon enjoy scenic trips instead of long drives to reach holiday spots.

The project would introduce new travel options for tourists and locals alike. If successful, cruise services could transform how people visit the Bukhtarma area. The joint venture with Russia may also set a model for future cross-border cooperation.