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A recent smoke incident at one of Almaty's metro stations has prompted a high-level call for a thorough investigation into the city's subway system. Senator Galiaskar Saribayev has formally requested a complete audit of the Almaty Metro, expressing concerns about the safety and operational integrity of Kazakhstan's sole underground transit network.

Smoke Incident Sparks Safety Concerns

The incident, which occurred approximately a week ago, saw passengers evacuated from metro trains after smoke filled a station. While the cause has been attributed to a technical malfunction, Senator Saribayev highlighted that the event raises significant questions, especially given the increasing passenger load on the system.

Metro's Critical Role and Risks

In a formal inquiry addressed to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Senator Saribayev emphasized that the metro is a critical piece of urban infrastructure with no viable alternatives. "Unlike other modes of transport, the metro has no backup alternative. Any malfunction directly affects tens of thousands of passengers and impacts the entire city's transport system," he stated.

He pointed out that the Almaty Metro serves over 26 million passengers annually, with daily ridership ranging from 100,000 to 120,000 people. Plans are also underway to expand the network, including the completion of the 'Kalkaman' station.

Focus on Rolling Stock and Technology

The senator specifically drew attention to the risks associated with updating the train fleet, particularly concerning the Hyundai Rotem control systems. He stressed the need to prioritize safety, compatibility, and operational stability during procurement processes, rather than focusing solely on short-term cost savings.

"It is important to note that not only savings, but also quality, must be considered during the operation of the metro," Saribayev added, warning that short-term economies could lead to long-term negative consequences.

Call for Comprehensive Review

Senator Saribayev urged the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the causes behind the smoke incident. He also called for an assessment of risks related to the modernization of the train fleet, ensuring full system compatibility, quality, and safety are paramount. The senator views this not just as a procurement issue, but as the establishment of a long-term model for the safe operation of a strategically vital facility.

This call for inspection comes as the 'Metropolitan' public utility previously announced plans to install platform screen doors at Almaty metro stations, a project estimated to cost over 8 billion tenge. The first station to receive these safety features is slated to be the one where a passenger tragically died after falling onto the tracks in December 2024.

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