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Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Almaty's Rayimbek Avenue has been postponed once again, with the project's completion now slated for November 2026. This significant infrastructure project aims to create the longest rapid transit corridor in the city.

Project Scope and Initial Plans

BRT systems utilize dedicated lanes for high-speed bus services. Initially, city officials planned to complete two BRT lines, on Zheltoqsan Street and Rayimbek Avenue, by the end of 2025. These were intended to connect with the existing BRT line on Timiryazev Street. The project incorporates a mixed-traffic design, with lanes alternating between the center and edges of the road in different sections.

Revised Timelines and Progress

While the Zheltoqsan Street line, spanning 4.6 kilometers, opened on December 14, 2025, work on Rayimbek Avenue has encountered delays. The completion deadline has been extended by three months from the previously announced August 2026 target. The official new completion date is set for the end of November 2026. This extended timeline includes landscaping, installation of an automated irrigation system, improvement of adjacent areas, and the creation of pedestrian zones.

Current Status of Construction

As of March 5, approximately 37% of the Rayimbek Avenue BRT project has been completed, an increase from 31% in December. The total investment for the Rayimbek Avenue BRT corridor is estimated at 39.9 billion tenge, funded entirely by the city budget.

Reasons for Delays

Local authorities have previously cited the acquisition of land parcels as a primary reason for the construction delays. These land acquisitions are necessary to expand the bus lanes, pedestrian walkways, cycle paths, and green spaces along the avenue. The Department of Land Relations of Almaty is responsible for managing the land acquisition and expropriation process for the project.

Vision for the Rayimbek Avenue BRT

Upon completion, the Rayimbek Avenue BRT line is expected to be 16.5 kilometers long, making it Almaty's longest rapid transit corridor. The project is divided into three main sections. Unlike the Zheltoqsan Street BRT, the Rayimbek Avenue upgrades are being carried out on a "building-to-building" principle. This comprehensive approach involves not only resurfacing the road but also renovating pedestrian paths, building facades, green areas, cycle paths, and children's and sports playgrounds.

Despite visible progress with new curbs and paving stones on both sides of the avenue, landscaping remains incomplete, and cables for future lighting are still exposed. Editorial teams will continue to monitor the construction progress and the eventual launch of the BRT line.

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