Kazakhstan’s national gas company, QazaqGaz, has completed the new Taldykorgan–Usharal main gas pipeline 16 months ahead of schedule, officials announced Thursday. 

The 303-kilometre pipeline infrastructure project is set to bring natural gas to more than 134,000 residents in the mountainous Zhetysu region, improving livelihoods and boosting the country's energy security.

Started in August 2024 during a visit by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the project wrapped up construction significantly earlier than its original 2026 deadline, connecting to the existing Almaty-Taldykorgan system.

It includes six automatic gas distribution stations to serve the towns of Kapal, Zhansugurov, Sarkand, Koilyk, Kabanbai, and Usharal.

Zhetysu Regional Governor Beibit Isabayev praised the rapid completion, citing its potential to contribute significantly to the region's economic growth and improve livelihoods.

"Gasification means improved living standards and economic growth," Isabayev said. "We will first connect social facilities—hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and cultural centres—and ensure access for households."

Isabayev added that the project will boost the local industry, support small and medium-sized businesses, and create new jobs in the region.

Akbar Tulegenov, Deputy Chairman for Strategy and Investments at QazaqGaz, confirmed that both the pipeline and all six distribution stations were finished early under strict supervision.

"QazaqGaz has laid the foundation for full regional gasification," Tulegenov said.

With the main pipeline complete, the regional administration will now undertake the next stage, which includes constructing the local distribution networks. This phase aims to deliver gas directly to 84 settlements throughout the Aksu, Sarkan, and Alakol districts.