Built by China, Central Asia's first fully automated driverless LRT opens in Astana

The first phase of the Astana light rail transit (LRT) system, Central Asia's first fully automated driverless light rail line primarily built by Chinese enterprises using Chinese equipment, technology and standards, was officially launched in Kazakhstan on Saturday.

The LRT system saw its first train depart at 11 am local time. Enterprises from Tianjin played a significant role in this milestone, with the Tianjin-based centrally administered State-owned enterprise CSCEC 6th Bureau undertaking the construction of several stations.

Furthermore, Tianjin Rail Transit Group trained over 500 operational staff members who all assumed their posts on the launch day, following theoretical studies in Kazakhstan and practical training in Tianjin since last year.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the inauguration ceremony in the Kazakh capital and became the line's first passenger, taking a test ride from the airport station to the National Museum station.

During the ceremony, Tokayev expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for the successful implementation of the project. He described the launch as an event of special significance for the country, saying the capital should eventually develop into a transportation hub of Eurasia.

Kazakhstan is also considering a second phase of the project to further develop public transport, according to the official website of the Kazakh presidential administration.

The newly launched first phase spans 22.4 kilometers and includes 18 stations, connecting major commercial centers and residential areas from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in the south to the new railway station in the north.

Passing by landmarks and transport hubs such as Nazarbayev University, Abu Dhabi Plaza and the National Museum, the LRT system operates with a departure interval of five to six minutes. It is equipped with 19 trains manufactured by CRRC Tangshan, each capable of carrying over 600 passengers at full capacity with a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour.

Numerous passengers took the light rail for a trial ride on the first day of its operation, praising the Chinese equipment for its reliability and high level of comfort. An Astana resident named Yembergenov remarked upon seeing it in person that the Chinese automated driverless technology felt highly advanced, adding that the cabin interior was very modern and everything felt well-ordered.

Abat Shynybekov, deputy chairman of Astana's City Transportation Systems, said the project is of great significance in alleviating urban congestion and promoting public transport development.

He highlighted that the line adopted Chinese automated driverless technology and control systems, and that the Chinese side carried out targeted upgrades to the system's equipment, interior design and noise reduction, making it the most advanced LRT system in Central Asia today.

Yerkin Tukumov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said China and Kazakhstan are working together to advance key transport corridors, energy infrastructure and green technologies, enhancing the region's resilience and prosperity.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese enterprises have been actively participating in the Central Asian country's infrastructure construction, Tukumov said. Last November, a highway reconstruction project undertaken by CITIC Construction Co Ltd was officially completed and delivered, adding another practical achievement to the joint construction of the BRI between China and Kazakhstan.

The project covers two national-level highways totaling 1,130 km with a designed speed of 120 km/h. During its construction, the project created local jobs and trained a group of professionals, including construction engineers and machinery operators, boosting the development of Kazakhstan's highway construction industry.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn