The LRT project in Almaty has received a feasibility study (FS), which has been sent for state expert review. The document includes costs for infrastructure construction, but the procurement of rolling stock has been separated into a distinct project. The total cost of the initiative has not yet been determined.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEASIBILITY STUDY
According to the city's Road Infrastructure Development Department, the FS includes costs for the construction of LRT infrastructure facilities. This refers to viaducts, stations, utility networks, and other associated structures, reports Nur.kz.
The department clarified that the costs for purchasing carriages are not included in the construction and installation works. Rolling stock is planned to be procured under a separate project.
HOW THE CARRIAGES WILL BE PROCURED
As reported by the Akimat, the separate project provides for the delivery of carriages, commissioning works, testing, and putting into operation.
For this purpose, relevant documentation will be prepared, which must also undergo state expert review in accordance with established procedures.
Currently, the supplier of the carriages has not been determined. The department stated that specialists are continuing to refine the technical specifications of the rolling stock.
WHAT WILL THE TRAIN PARAMETERS BE
According to information from the Akimat, the estimated capacity of the carriages will be 285 passengers, including both seated and standing spaces.
The average speed of the trains is planned at 35 km/h.
The Akimat noted that the final cost of the project will become known after a positive conclusion is received from the state expert review.
CONTEXT
The topic of the LRT in Almaty was first raised by Viktor Khrapunov in 2003, with active discussion and development of the project beginning in the 2010s.
Initially, it was planned to build a line approximately 22 km long with 24 stations, connecting the airport to the city centre. The project cost was estimated at $1.5–2 billion.
During the period 2017–2019, the project was actively promoted, including with the involvement of Chinese companies. However, in 2019, its implementation was frozen. Reasons cited included the high cost, doubts about its return on investment, and public criticism.
The project was later resumed.
In 2024, the development of the feasibility study (FS) for the first LRT line in Almaty was valued at 344 million tenge, with the corresponding tender announced by the city's Urban Mobility Department.
Earlier it became known that for the construction of the LRT, 270 land plots in four districts of Almaty — Alatau, Zhetysu, Almaly, and Auezov — will be expropriated.
