LRT in Astana Is Reaching the Finish Line: The Launch Is Expected in the Coming Months
Photo: Orda.kz / Olga Ibrayeva
First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and Astana Akim Zhenis Kassymbek visited the LRT depot to review preparations for launching the Unified Control Center, from which the entire light rail system will be operated, Orda.kz reports.
The center will be housed in the depot building and will cover 768 square meters. From here, operators will oversee train movements, manage traffic lights within the intelligent transport system, coordinate public transport and the bike-sharing service, and analyze traffic data. Officials say this will speed up emergency response times.
During the tour, the stations «Airport», «Baiterek» and «House of Ministries» were inspected.
Now the entire line is undergoing test operation. Trains run at different times of the day, including at night, for more than 12 hours a day. Depending on the test stage, trains either run without stopping or stop at each station — they check the accuracy of the stop, door synchronization, and the operation of the control systems.
LRT will work in unmanned mode. The infrastructure, security systems, and staff preparedness for possible emergencies are being checked. The trains are adapted to the climate — they are designed for frost and icing. The wheels are equipped with rubber gaskets to reduce noise and vibration.
It is planned that movement intervals will be from five to 10 minutes. The train will take one and a half to three minutes between stations. The trip from «Nurly Zhol» to the airport will take about 40 minutes.
The exact date for the start of passenger service will be announced after all tests are completed. The authorities expect to launch the LRT in the coming months.
Testing of the LRT in Astana began in September 2025. At that time, it was planned that the trains would start regular service in early 2026.
Original author: Natalya Ovchinnikova
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