- Astana LRT nearing completion, full operations expected in the coming months.
- City plans multi-level high-speed roads to ease growing traffic congestion.
- Infrastructure upgrades are underway to support rapid population growth.
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is anticipated to finish its testing phase and commence full operations in the coming months, stated Astana mayor Zhenis Kassymbek during a briefing at the Central Communications Service.
The LRT has been functioning in testing mode since September. Kassymbek mentioned that all rail cars are expected to be delivered by month’s end, with interior finishing at stations almost finished. When completely operational, the system is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the Esil and Nura districts, especially on Kaldayakova, Syganak, and Kabanbai Batyr avenues.
He mentioned that the city is getting ready to create multi-tiered high-speed transit routes to tackle increasing traffic. Design efforts are planned for 2026, with construction anticipated to commence in 2027, beginning with a project on Kabanbai Batyr Avenue aimed at alleviating congestion on Mangilik El and Kabanbai Batyr avenues.
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Kassymbek also discussed residents' worries regarding the regular road closures during marathon events. He stated that a maximum of four marathons each year will be permitted in the city center. He stated that organizers will be urged to utilize alternative routes, such as forest cycling trails, detour roads, the triathlon facility, and the riverbank, which are free of vehicular traffic.
Kassymbek emphasized the swift increase in population, which persistently burdens urban infrastructure. Two years prior, the city faced shortages of water and heat. This year marked the start of building a fourth pumping station, which is anticipated to ensure water supply for the upcoming decade. The city is enhancing sewage treatment capacity, which includes building the KOS-2 facility and local wastewater treatment plants in the Koktal, Ondiris, and Industrial Park neighborhoods.