LRT Initiation Scheduled for This Fall in Astana
Astana's Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project Nears Completion
The city of Astana is set to revolutionise its transportation system with the upcoming launch of its Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. The project, which is part of a comprehensive transportation system development program, is expected to improve urban transit efficiency and contribute significantly to the city's infrastructure.
The LRT project, spanning over 22.4 kilometres, will feature 18 stations, both ground and elevated. Each unit of rolling stock can carry 652 passengers, meaning the LRT will have the capacity to move a substantial number of people around the city.
The first trains for the LRT project are expected to arrive in September, with intensive testing following thereafter. This timeline aligns with ongoing technical preparations and the government's transit usage goals by 2030.
The scheduled completion date for the Astana LRT is in 2026, with line service starting between the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and Astana Nurly Zhol station during that year. The project aims to launch 19 units of rolling stock, ensuring a smooth and efficient service for passengers.
Train intervals on the Astana LRT are planned to be between four and five minutes, ensuring a frequent service and minimising waiting times for passengers.
Astana Akim Zhenis Kassymbek announced the LRT project updates during an expanded government meeting on Jan. 28. The project, which has an investment close to $1.8-$1.88 billion, is a significant development for the city's transportation infrastructure and aligns with the city's commitment to creating a modern, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable ecosystem.
Currently, more than 1,600 buses operate on city routes daily in Astana. Over the past two years, the capital's public transport fleet has been updated by 45%. The LRT project is expected to further enhance the city's transportation system, providing a more efficient and sustainable means of travel for its citizens.
A preliminary recruitment program for training train operators for the light rail lines was announced, ensuring that the LRT will be staffed by well-trained professionals. However, no specific details were provided about the cost of the LRT project.
As the first trains for the Astana LRT arrive and the project nears completion, the city is gearing up for a new era of public transportation. With the LRT set to launch in 2026, Astana is poised to offer its citizens a more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly means of travel.
The LRT project, an integral part of the city's comprehensive transportation system development program, is expected to draw investments from the finance industry, given its significant contribution to Astana's infrastructure. Once completed, the LRT will revolutionize the transportation sector in the city, providing a more efficient means of travel for its citizens.
Upon its completion, the Astana LRT will not only transform the city's transportation system but also align the city's industry sector with modern, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable transportation norms, as envisioned in its commitment to creating a modern, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable ecosystem.
