GASHUUNSUKHAIT – On April 13, 2026, a high-level working group led by the Minister of Road and Transport, B. Delgersaikhan, inspected the Gashuunsukhait station and transshipment terminal facilities of the Mongolian Railway Company (MRC) to review ongoing construction and logistics operations.

During the visit, O. Batchuluun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MRC, outlined a transformative growth strategy for the company, highlighting that MRC is on track to double its performance this year.

Strategic Growth and Export Expansion

The Mongolian Railway Company has set an ambitious target to transport 18 million tons of freight in 2026—a 100% increase over the 9 million tons handled in 2025. This surge is a cornerstone of the national strategy to bolster coal exports and revitalize the economy.

Key infrastructure and partnership updates include:

• China Energy Partnership: While the current plan involves transporting 6.4 million tons for China Energy, CEO O. Batchuluun confirmed that negotiations are underway to increase this volume to 10 million tons.
• The 2027 Horizon: With the cross-border railway slated for commissioning in April 2027, MRC is prioritizing the procurement and readiness of locomotives, wagons, and rolling stock to meet the coming demand.
• Operational Scaling: Current operations see 7–8 trains per day. However, to reach the full capacity of 30 million tons per year, MRC will scale to 20–30 trains per day operating on a 24/7 schedule.

A New Era for Human Resources: Local Focus

In a significant shift in labor policy, the Ministry of Road and Transport and MRC are phasing out the traditional "roster" (shift) system in favor of building a stable, permanent workforce within the Gobi region.

To support this transition, MRC has implemented several key initiatives:

• Staff Relocation: 40% of the central office personnel have already been successfully relocated to rural operational hubs.
• Financial Incentives: Effective January 1, 2026, employees working in rural areas receive a 43% salary bonus. To date, approximately 80 staff members have transitioned under this program.
• Comprehensive Housing: Working alongside the Governors of Umnugovi aimag and Tsogttsetsii soum, MRC is planning the construction of modern residential complexes. These sites will include integrated schools and kindergartens, ensuring that the 800+ employees and their families have the infrastructure needed for long-term settlement.

CEO O. Batchuluun emphasized that these logistical and social reforms are essential "water and air" for the sector, ensuring that MRC remains the primary engine for Mongolia’s industrial and economic growth.