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Almaty's historic tram depot, a symbol of the city's past transportation network, has been left to decay for over ten years, sparking questions about its future and the city's development plans.

The city's tram service, which began in 1937, was gradually phased out. The final two routes, numbers four and six, were abruptly halted in 2015 following two serious accidents. Initially, the decision was attributed to low public usage, but discussions about reinstating the tram system persist.

Revival Plans and the Depot's Deterioration

In 2025, the "Almatygenplan" research institute proposed a plan to revive the tram line along Tole Bi Street, extending it to the airport. This ambitious project included transforming the former tram depot into a vibrant public space, featuring a park, museum, food court, and creative hubs.

However, nearly a decade later, the vast area remains largely derelict. Only one building has been repurposed as a youth center. The depot grounds are now characterized by crumbling walls, construction debris, and remnants of old tracks, painting a picture of neglect. In some sections, the perimeter fencing is inadequate, with open gates allowing easy access.

Official Statements and Future Prospects

The Almaty City Construction Department has confirmed that a positive state expert review exists for the construction of a multifunctional public center on the site. Despite this, specific details regarding the project's commencement date and estimated cost have not been disclosed, leaving the future of the depot uncertain.

The Demise of Almaty's Trams

The decline of Almaty's tram system accelerated in the mid-1990s. The final blow came in 2015. On September 21, a tram with brake failure collided with 17 vehicles at the intersection of Shevchenko and Masanchi streets, injuring five people. A mere three weeks later, a similar accident occurred at the intersection of Seifullin and Makataev streets.

Following these incidents, the city administration officially ceased tram depot operations in October 2015. At the time, the city operated 14 trams, with eight on route No. 4 and six on route No. 6, collectively transporting approximately four thousand passengers daily.

By 2018, the city had sold 13 tram cars to the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk for 118 million tenge. The last three wagons were sold for scrap metal, fetching a mere 2.2 million tenge, a stark contrast to their potential as historical exhibits for the planned public space.

The site was also considered for a hotel development, but the city administration clarified that the land was divided into three plots, one of which was privately owned. Investors withdrew from the "Depo Evolution Park" project in 2021. In 2022, the city mayor, Yerbolat Dosayev, promised that construction of a creative center would begin in 2023, with completion planned for the end of 2025.

Currently, trams operate in only three Kazakh cities: Pavlodar, Temirtau, and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

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