Almaty’s light rail transit (LRT) system will launch by the end of 2027, according to the city’s Road Infrastructure Development Department. Preparatory work is currently underway, reports infohub.kz.
Workers have already removed old tram tracks and asphalt pavement. The next step is to build foundations for the new urban transport system.
The first line will connect the industrial zone in the Alatau district with the city center and Almaty-2 railway station. The 18-kilometer route will include 34 stops. Each train can carry up to 285 passengers, with an average speed of 35 km/h.
Unlike in Astana, Almaty’s LRT will run mostly at ground level along city streets, without elevated viaducts. It will also have no overhead power lines.
“During the construction of the LRT, modern solutions are being considered to eliminate overhead power lines. The trains will run on onboard batteries charged at stations. These solutions are being considered to keep the sky clear,” said Asan Bostanov, deputy head of the city’s Road Infrastructure Development Department.