A New 13 km Road to Rakhman Springs: What Has Actually Opened?
East Kazakhstan has opened a repaired stretch of the route to Katon-Karagay and Rakhman Springs. Officials report 13 km of new asphalt and drainage work. We identify the section and explain why it should not be mistaken for reconstruction of the entire mountain road.
A renewed section of the Oskemen–Altai–Ulken Naryn–Katon-Karagay–Rakhman Springs road has opened in East Kazakhstan. It covers kilometres 437 to 450, or 13 kilometres, according to the regional governor’s press office.
What was built?
Crews laid new asphalt and installed 17 drainage channels and three culverts. The project ran in 2025–2026. QazAvtoZhol was the client and Zaisan Construction Company the contractor. Drainage matters on mountain roads: water trapped on or below the surface can shorten a road’s life.
The route serves settlements along the way as well as visitors bound for Katon-Karagay National Park and Rakhman Springs. Officials expect a more comfortable journey and less vehicle wear. Their announcement concerns this 13 km section; it does not say the entire route to the resort has been rebuilt.
Anyone travelling into the mountains should check the weather and conditions on the remaining sections separately. Maintenance over the coming seasons will show how the new surface performs.
Source and photograph: East Kazakhstan governor’s press office.
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