On October 24, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov inspected the construction of a light rail transport (LRT) line in the capital, Astana, the government’s press service reported.
Akim (Mayor) of Astana Zhenis Kasymbek reported that to date, the laying of the beams of the LRT flyover has been completed. By the end of 2024, it is planned to complete the construction of the main reinforced concrete structures of stations. Next year will see the laying of rails, finishing of the stations and construction of a depot with the delivery of rolling stock.
The total length of the light rail line will be 22.4 km. LRT will include 18 stations. It is planned to launch 19 units of rolling stock with a capacity of 652 people. The traffic interval will be 4-5 minutes. At the initial stage the passenger flow is expected to be 25 thousand people/day, while the maximum passenger flow during peak hours may reach 92 thousand people/day.
Chinese companies such as China Construction Sixth Bureau, Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co., Longjian Road and Bridge Co., Tianjin Rail Transit Group Co., and CRRC Tangshan Co LTD are involved in the implementation of the project. CRSC International, CASCO, and HUAWEI Smart Transport BU are involved in setting up communication, signalling and automation systems.
Zhou Haiwei, general manager of China Railway Asia-Europe Construction Investment, a subcontracting company, informed that innovative technologies are used in the construction of the LRT line. Upon completion of the construction, unmanned trains will be launched along the light-rail line.
It is planned to complete all construction works and launch LRT by the end of 2025.
Photo: primeminister.kz