ALMATY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce autonomous freight trucks in 2027 to boost its transit potential, the Kazinform news agency reported Tuesday, citing Kazakh Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev.

Road construction in the country is planned with a long-term horizon of 40 to 50 years, and the new infrastructure will be equipped with the necessary sensors to support the operation of autonomous vehicles across Kazakhstan, Sauranbayev said at a government briefing.

The Transport Ministry is currently discussing the launch of a pilot project together with neighboring countries within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. Sauranbayev noted that the use of autonomous vehicles would significantly speed up border crossings at checkpoints.

According to Sauranbayev, driverless trucks are expected to reduce transportation costs, primarily by eliminating driver-related expenses. In addition, autonomous vehicles will be able to operate 24 hours a day, tripling delivery speeds and improving environmental performance, the minister said. ■