China Equipment: Construction Contractor for Almaty Light Rail Project in Kazakhstan Confirmed; First Phase Aims to Complete by End of 2027
From Kazakh International News Agency — The Almaty light rail project has achieved a significant milestone, with the construction contractor officially confirmed.
Currently, the rapid urban rail transit construction project in Almaty is progressing steadily. In February this year, the technical and economic feasibility study report for the light rail project was completed and is now undergoing national audit and evaluation. Meanwhile, since April this year, all preparatory work for the project has been fully underway, with construction crews already beginning to dismantle the existing tram tracks along Tolebi Avenue. After removal, the relevant facilities and materials will be centrally handed over to JSC "Almaty Electric Transit" for handling.
As the project advances, the construction entity for the new transportation infrastructure has also become clear. During the visit of the Mayor of Almaty to Beijing for official duties, China CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Integra Construction KZ LLP of Kazakhstan regarding the light rail construction and rolling stock procurement project. The project’s owner is the Almaty Road Infrastructure Development Agency.
As the local contractor for the project, Integra Construction KZ has drawn considerable attention. According to information published on the company’s official website, it was established in 1998 and operates across multiple sectors including railway construction, highway rehabilitation, and residential development.
It is reported that the ultimate beneficial owner of Integra Construction KZ is Shakhmurat Mutaliyep. He has served as Chairman of the Boxing Federation of Kazakhstan since 2024 and concurrently assumed the role of Deputy Director for International Cooperation at the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan starting in 2025.
According to data released by the national tax authority, the company paid taxes amounting to 22.7 billion tenge in 2025, and cumulative tax payments since 2026 have reached 16.4 billion tenge. Currently, the company is involved in several major infrastructure projects, including the Moyint-Kyzyljar Railway. Additionally, in October 2025, the company proactively took on the renovation work for the Bahanashir Children's Home.
Funding for Light Rail Project Basically Secured
At last week’s regular session of the Almaty Maslikhat (local parliament), officials further clarified the city’s public transportation development budget and disclosed the financial scale required for the light rail project.
Baurzhan Kudaybergenov, Director of Almaty’s Department of Economy and Finance, stated that the light rail project, as a key component of the city’s public transport system, is expected to require a total investment of 61.4 billion tenge. The first phase, spanning 18.3 kilometers, is scheduled for completion and commissioning by December 2027.
Based on the current plan, the light rail system’s maintenance depot will be located between Fariza Vongersnovaya Street, Monkbay Street, and Baurzhan Momyshuly Street. The line will depart from the depot, extend southward along Baurzhan Momyshuly Avenue to Tolebi Avenue, then proceed eastward along Tolebi Avenue to Abai Khan Avenue, turn northward there, and ultimately reach Almaty-2 Railway Station.
With preparatory work gradually completed, the Almaty light rail project has entered an essential implementation phase. Upon completion, the project is expected to further improve the city’s public transportation network, enhance residents’ travel efficiency, and alleviate traffic congestion in the city center.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868084832549900/
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