The launch of the first light rail transit (LRT) line in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, is expected this spring, according to Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek.
The mayor posted on Instagram, stating he visited the LRT depot and the operations control center to check the operational readiness. Kassymbek traveled through the Airport, Baiterek, House of Ministries and National Museum stations.
The test operation along the line is currently underway. Specialists are conducting trial runs and checking infrastructure, security systems, personnel training and emergency operations. The trains will operate in an autonomous mode.
The mayor said the exact launch date will be announced after all tests and checks are completed.
«The rolling stock is adapted to the Central Asian climate and resistant to low temperatures and icing. After the full range of activities is completed and the system’s compliance with established technical requirements is confirmed, test operation conclusion and the start date for passenger service will be determined,» Kassymbek wrote.
The first full-fledged passenger service launch is expected to take place this spring.
Previously, Kursiv LifeStyle reported on the LRT launch timeline in Almaty. Construction of the line is planned to begin in 2027 and be completed in two years.
