Central Asian media focus on China-built first light rail transit system in Central Asia: Astana’s first light rail line officially opens after years of delays
Kazakhstan has officially launched its long-awaited light rail system (LRT) connecting the capital’s international airport with Nurly Jol Railway Station. Despite earlier doubts about the project's feasibility, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the opening ceremony.
The Astana LRT project was initially launched in 2011, aiming to construct a high-speed elevated transit system to alleviate road congestion. Authorities originally planned to complete construction before the 2017 Expo held in Astana.
However, rising costs led to the project being suspended in 2013. In 2015, the Astana city government attempted to restart the project and invited a consortium comprising China Railway International Group Co., Ltd. and Beijing State-owned Assets Management Co., Ltd. However, contractors later withdrew due to funding issues.
In 2019, authorities launched a criminal investigation over allegations of inflated project costs and misappropriation of public construction funds.
Talgat Aldan, former head of the Astana LRT project, and former deputy mayor Kanat Sultanbekov were accused of diverting nearly 30 billion tenge (approximately $79 million at the time). In May 2023, both were sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison.
In May 2025, Aldan was detained in Turkey following Kazakhstan’s extradition request. However, he has not yet been extradited, as the mutual legal assistance agreement between Kazakhstan and Turkey does not specify a timeframe for extradition procedures.
Although President Tokayev initially expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the light rail project, the city government ultimately decided to complete it. The system officially began operations this weekend, with Tokayev personally attending the launch ceremony.
During a visit to the unified dispatch center responsible for monitoring and managing Astana’s public transportation system—including the light rail network—Tokayev stated that the opening of the light rail holds great significance not only for Astana but also for the entire Republic of Kazakhstan.
Tokayev emphasized that the capital should eventually become a major transportation hub across Eurasia.
After receiving the No. 001 passenger card, Tokayev became the system’s first official passenger, riding the light rail from the airport to the National Museum station.
Astana Mayor Denis Kassymbek said a dedicated dispatch service department has been established for the light rail system. Twenty-one specialists are now responsible for monitoring and managing the city’s public transport network.
Each light rail train can carry more than 600 passengers.
The 22.4-kilometer line will operate with 15 trains, plus four additional trains kept as backups. The trains run fully automatically in driverless mode.
All functions—including acceleration, braking, door operations, and emergency response systems—are fully automated, although manual controls and communication with dispatchers remain available as backup systems. The new infrastructure includes 18 stations and a modernized depot.
The full journey is expected to take around 40 minutes, with an average speed of 50–60 km/h. Trains are scheduled to run every 5–6 minutes.
Authorities have already begun discussing plans for a second phase expansion of the light rail network.
Future lines under planning include extensions to Astana’s No. 1 Railway Station, the Zhaqarau residential area located in the city’s western suburbs, and the satellite city of Kosh in the southern part of the capital. Phase two will add 26.5 kilometers of track and 20 new stations.
Source: Central Asia Times
Author: Dmitry Pokidayev
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865608183915544/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author