LRT occupies half of the railroad system.
In the heart of Astana, work is underway on 11 km of track for the city's Light Rail Transit (LRT), which represents half of the elevated section's total length. Our sources confirm this, citing the Instagram account of City Transportation Systems.
The city's infrastructure is teeming with activity as spikes and rails are installed across all sections, following a meticulous schedule. construction is progressing proximately to key facilities like the Nurly Zhol railway station, International Airport, Ministry House, and the Republican Main Mosque. The operations are proceeding exactly as scheduled, reports City Transportation Systems.
In addition to the track, infrastructure preparations for stations and power supply systems are also in full swing.
The Light Rail Transit in Astana is set to undergo a test launch in September 2025.
Previously, a recruitment drive for LRT dispatchers was announced in Astana.
Astana's LRT system, when complete, will stretch over 22 km, featuring 18 stations. The project represents a considerable leap in urban mobility for the capital city of Kazakhstan. Engineered under Chinese standards, the system is designed to withstand extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius in winter[2][3][4].
A total of 19 modern, four-car, fully automated driverless trains are being manufactured by CRRC Tangshan in China. Each train can accommodate up to 650 passengers and can reach speeds of 80 km/h[2][5]. The trains operate with Level 4 automation, meaning they are fully automated and don't need human intervention during regular operation[5].
The track components are reinforced to withstand low winter temperatures, ensuring the system remains operational year-round[2][3]. Trial operations for the LRT system are scheduled to begin in September 2025, with full service expected to commence in early 2026[1][2][3]. This project is a significant collaboration between China and Central Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative, setting a benchmark for urban rail transit projects in the region[4].
The infrastructure development for Astana's Light Rail Transit (LRT) extends beyond just the track, also encompassing station preparations and power supply system setup, all key components financed by the public-transit sector. Furthermore, the LRT system, upon completion, is anticipated to revolutionize the city's transportation industry with its 22 km length, 18 stations, and high-end, fully automated trains.
