One Free Rail Journey Per Year: New Social Support for Kazakhstan’s Military

A significant social benefit for military personnel serving in all security agencies of Kazakhstan and their family members came into effect on January 1, 2026. They are now entitled to one free round-trip journey per year by passenger train to any destination within the country.

This initiative was officially announced during a special meeting at the General Command of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the department's press service, the meeting focused on explaining the details of the new social support measure and discussing specific mechanisms for its effective implementation at the regional level. The primary goal of the project is to improve the social well-being of defenders of the fatherland and expand opportunities for them to travel with their families.

Ainur Bazarbayeva, a representative of "Jolaushylar Tasymaly" (Passenger Transportation) JSC, clarified that this privilege applies exclusively to routes within the borders of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, it was revealed that the costs for these trips will be covered directly by the own funds of the national company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ), rather than from the state budget.

During the gathering, KTZ specialist Dias Tusipbekov answered questions from military personnel, focusing on the technical aspects of booking tickets and the organizational rules involved.

Concluding the event, Kairat Umbetov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard, emphasized the strategic importance of this step. According to him, such state support allows military personnel to plan their vacations effectively, save on travel expenses, and feel a greater sense of social protection. He also stressed the need for strict compliance with established regulations when utilizing this benefit.

It is worth noting that a proposal was previously raised in Kazakhstan to defer the military conscription of the children of shepherds.