Chinese-Built Central Asia's First Fully Automated Driverless Light Rail Opens in Kazakhstan

IT Home reported on May 16, citing CCTV News, that on May 16 local time, the first phase of the Astana Light Rail project in Kazakhstan officially opened. This is also the first fully automated driverless light rail line in Central Asia, mainly constructed by Chinese enterprises and using Chinese equipment, technology, and standards.

The first phase of the Astana Light Rail project is approximately 22.4 kilometers long with 18 stations. The line runs south from Nazarbayev International Airport to the new railway station in the north, connecting Astana's major commercial centers and residential areas. The interval between trains is about 5 to 6 minutes. The light rail system is equipped with 19 trains, each capable of carrying more than 600 passengers when fully loaded, with a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h.

According to IT Home's research, this light rail is participated in by Tianjin Rail Transit Group. The Astana Light Rail trains operate daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Each train is 60 meters long, 3.8 meters high, and 2.8 meters wide, consisting of 4 carriages with noise reduction and sound insulation treatment on the car body. Multiple intelligent payment methods are supported; in addition to using LRT-specific transit cards and single tickets, passengers can also pay via bank cards, mobile phones, and smart watches.

Tianjin Rail Transit Group has deeply participated in the project's construction consulting, joint commissioning, personnel training, comprehensive acceptance, operation preparation, and other work. It will continue to participate in the operation and maintenance of the line in the later stage.