The Almaty-1 railway station has had its island platform dismantled, sparking outrage on social media. Users posted photographs showing piles of concrete, dismantled structures, and construction debris. According to one witness, the station 'looks like it's been bombed'.
According to the Kazinform News Agency, JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) stated that the dismantling is being carried out as part of a government resolution on the phased reconstruction of railway stations across the country.
Company representatives clarified that Almaty-1 station is one of the republic's key transport hubs, with more than 2,500 passengers passing through it daily. The last renovation of the facility took place 18 years ago.
'Based on the inspection and assessment of the technical condition of the building and the island platform, it was determined that the structure requires reinforcement and modernisation in line with contemporary comfort and safety standards. The reinforced concrete platform is to be completely replaced,' KTZ responded.
The company emphasised that the reconstruction is aimed at updating the station complex and includes architectural and engineering solutions that meet current energy efficiency standards. Particular attention is being paid to creating facilities for people with reduced mobility, introducing new service formats, and improving the level of passenger transport safety.
Incidentally, in the summer of this year, the Almaty-1 and Almaty-2 railway stations were returned to the management of the national company KTZ. At the same time, the launch of their modernisation programme was announced.
Furthermore, as part of the government-approved general development plan for the metropolis up to 2040, the construction of a new station — Almaty-3 — is planned. The facility is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026–2027.