The inaugural train carriage of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) project — a landmark collaboration between China and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative was recently installed.
A view of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) project [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
This project, undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, is not only the first urban light rail line in Central Asia, but also the first rail transit project in the region to be fully built using Chinese standards and equipment. Once operational, the light rail is expected to cut commute time between the two ends of the route by nearly half.
Spanning approximately 22.4 kilometers, the line will connect several major landmarks and key functional areas, including the Expo site, the Ministry of Defense, the Presidential Palace, and the National Museum of Kazakhstan. Once operational, the line is expected to handle an average of 25,000 passengers per day, with a peak daily ridership reaching up to 92,000.
The project team faced harsh winter conditions in Astana, enduring temperatures plummeting to minus 30°C over a six-month cold season. To cope with the extreme weather, the team used cold-resistant materials and winter-friendly building methods. Strategic scheduling was also made, while excavation commenced in February, concrete work was delayed until warmer temperatures prevailed. These measures not only saved time but also ensured the project progressed smoothly despite the challenging environment.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
