During a visit by members of the Kurultai to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan today, KazdorNII presented the results of its research and applied work, along with proposals for improving the quality and safety of the country's roads.

The Institute's research is concentrated on the most pressing challenges facing the industry: weak subgrade soils, rutting and cracking, the quality of road construction materials, the condition of bridges, and the digitalization of infrastructure. Five research teams involving international experts have been set up to address these priorities.

A key area of work is the adoption of Superpave, a modern asphalt mix design system. The Institute's specialists have conducted more than 700 laboratory tests and developed eight national standards adapted to Kazakhstan's climate. The technology has already been trialled on the Almaty–Khorgos, Kyzylorda–Zhezkazgan and Astana–Shchuchinsk roads.

KazdorNII has also investigated weak soils at eight sites across four western regions and tested 37 types of recycled materials and industrial by-products for potential use in road construction. At the same time, the Institute is evaluating the quality of domestically produced cement, bitumen and asphalt mixes. A review of more than a thousand industry regulations has led to the repeal of over 160 outdated documents.

Bridges were a particular focus of the meeting. Over the past three years, KazdorNII has inspected 175 structures, 102 of which require repair and rehabilitation. To monitor their condition systematically, the Institute is developing an information system that integrates inspection data, technical documentation and digital twins. A draft comprehensive programme for bridge inspection and rehabilitation has also been prepared.

Outlining its digitalization plans, KazdorNII highlighted progress in BIM-based design, industry analytics and transport infrastructure monitoring solutions. In the longer term, the Institute aims to act as the digital infrastructure operator and IT integrator for the transport sector, including by developing its cybersecurity expertise.

Following the meeting, KazdorNII proposed that its role as the road sector's centre for science and technology be enshrined in law, and that major infrastructure projects be provided with scientific and technical support. Such support would help identify technical risks at the design and construction stages, ensure the quality of materials and prevent premature defects. The Institute also called on the deputies to support state funding for priority research and technology objectives when the national budget for 2027–2029 is considered.