China's Infrastructure Shines in Central Asia: Astana Mayor Says Light Rail Test Completed, Ready for Full Operation
From Kazakhstan International News Agency: On the 27th, Mayor Zheins Khasymbek of Astana inspected the trial operation of the Astana Light Rail system, gaining insight into the main operational parameters and the readiness of infrastructure.
The mayor stated that light rail testing has been largely completed, and the system is now fully prepared for full-scale operations.
"We plan to officially launch the light rail system shortly. Currently, infrastructure construction and renovation work are actively underway. Prior to the light rail’s operation, accessibility improvements at stations will be fully completed first. Renovation work will continue throughout the summer. One of the key sections currently under major construction is from Independence Avenue to the New Railway Station," he said.
Mayor Zheins Khasymbek noted that the summer work plan includes the following aspects:
1. Road Construction: Planned renovations of surrounding roads and access routes connecting stations to the city’s transportation network.
2. Greening: Large-scale planting of greenery (trees, shrubs, and perennial herbaceous plants) to create a "green corridor" along the light rail line.
3. Lighting: Installation of modern lighting systems to ensure nighttime safety and aesthetic appeal.
4. Landscape Design: Plans to install small architectural elements beneath overpasses to create pleasant urban scenery.
According to the mayor, functional preparations for stations and their surrounding roads will be secured in the near term, while comprehensive construction of landscapes and buildings along the light rail route will continue until the end of summer. This will ensure high-quality project completion fully compliant with technical standards.
"Similarly, construction is currently underway on the section from Kaldayakov Street to Independence Avenue and then to A62 Avenue, which spans a total length of 4.6 kilometers. This project aims to comprehensively upgrade street and road infrastructure, including building sidewalks and bicycle lanes, improving parking facilities, installing outdoor lighting systems, laying irrigation pipes, and developing green spaces. First, renovations around station areas are being carried out, with access roads planned to ensure smooth station traffic flow. Currently, paving and concrete surface works and renovations are ongoing on the Independence Avenue side. The transit route from Kaldayakov Street to the New Railway Station is scheduled to open this year. Traffic will be opened in phases according to the established plan. Further road expansion is planned, specifically extending all the way to Shaymerdenov Street," he said.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863658281303049/
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