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
Read also:
Latest news
- Zhezkazgan Airport Resumes Operations After An-12 Emergency Landing
- Middle East Escalation Disrupts Kazakhstan–Dubai Flights
- Three Rare Neolithic Burials Discovered in Kostanay Region
- Minister Promises Better Internet Access for Rural Areas
- Will Trump Visit Kazakhstan?
- Six-Lane Road to Almaty’s Ring Road Planned, Around 200 Land Plots Bought Out
- Housing Sales in Kazakhstan Rise 28% in One Month
- East Kazakhstan Residents Question Gas Station Restrictions on Fuel Canisters
- New Committee to Oversee Crypto Market and Payment System
- MFA Confirms Death of Young Kazakhstani Woman in Antalya
- Source of Shymkent Air Pollution Complaints Still Unclear
- Why Cheap Kazakh Gasoline Is Becoming a Regional Issue
- Southern Kazakhstan Records Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake
- Almaty Residents Oppose Covering City’s Open Irrigation Canals
- Where Are Incomes Highest in Kazakhstan After Almaty?
- Landfill Fire Breaks Out in Astana
- Qatari-Kazakh Gas Pipeline Project Gets Another $500 Million
- Russian City May Name Square After Tokayev’s Father
- Kazakhstanis Will Not Face New Loan Restrictions
- Dead Seals Found Near Aktau May Have Come From Iran, Officials Say
