Almaty Metro To Replace Korean-Controlled System After Technical Failures

Mazhilis deputies earlier appealed to the prime minister over the technical condition and safety of the Almaty metro. In response, they were told that by the end of 2027, the city plans not only to purchase 10 new electric trains but also to update the traffic control system to reduce dependence on a single foreign supplier, Orda.kz reports.

The deputies noted that the Almaty metro requires special attention because of growing passenger traffic. The appeal was also prompted by a recent technical failure involving smoke. Although the problem was quickly resolved, it raised concerns about systemic risk assessment.

The main issue raised by the deputies was the renewal of the rolling stock. A previous tender for the purchase of trains worth almost 28.9 billion tenge failed. It turned out that the metro’s automation system is configured exclusively for South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem. Majilis members warned that purchasing trains from other manufacturers could create technical incompatibility and lead to schedule disruptions.

The government explained that the Almaty metro currently has 11 stations and 15 trains. Replacing the Korean control system is difficult because it is protected as foreign intellectual property. Therefore, the authorities decided to modernize the entire automation system. This should make it universal, compatible with trains from different manufacturers, and allow the city to move away from dependence on the Korean supplier.

While the large-scale upgrade is being prepared, the Almaty Akimat has allocated 4.5 billion tenge to support the metro in 2026. According to the government’s response, 1.3 billion tenge will be spent on purchasing necessary spare parts and repairing equipment at the electric depot, while 3.2 billion tenge will go toward the ongoing maintenance of escalators, tracks, communication systems, and automation.

At the same time, city authorities are developing a five-year metro development plan through 2032. The timeline is becoming more urgent as the Kalkaman station is expected to open soon and the line is set to be extended toward the Altyn Orda market. This could increase passenger traffic from 120,000 to 170,000 people per day.

The plan is expected to be ready by the second quarter of this year. It will include digital track monitoring and unified safety standards to ensure that trips remain comfortable and trouble-free for passengers.

Original author: Eva Golovintseva

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