Almaty authorities plan to launch the city’s first light rail transit (LRT) line by the end of 2027. The previous target was the first quarter of 2029. Kursiv LifeStyle looks at what is currently known about the project.
The Almaty City Mobility Department told 24.kz that preparatory work is already underway. Crews are removing rails left over from the city’s former tram system along Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Tole Bi streets to prepare the route for the new tracks. According to the Almaty Mayor’s Office, the first LRT line will be 18 kilometers long.
Another feature of the project will be the absence of an overhead line. Authorities are considering trains equipped with batteries that would recharge at stations. This would eliminate the need for traditional overhead wires.
The LRT project was included in Almaty’s Master Plan, which was presented during public hearings in late December 2025. The first line is planned to run along Tole Bi Street to Abylai Khan Avenue, then continue to Almaty-2 railway station. The depot will be located in the industrial zone near Momyshuly Street. In March 2026, authorities began acquiring land for the project.
