Kazakhstan on Saturday officially launched the Astana light rail transit (LRT) system, Central Asia's first fully-automated driverless urban light rail system, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attending the inauguration ceremony in the Kazakh capital.
Tokayev described the launch as an event of special significance for Astana and Kazakhstan, saying the capital should eventually develop into a transportation hub of Eurasia.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for the successful implementation of the project.
The Astana LRT project, a landmark Belt and Road project between China and Kazakhstan, is the first urban rail transit line in Kazakhstan's capital and the first rail transit project in Central Asia built entirely with Chinese technologies and equipment.
Chinese companies have overseen the entire project from design and construction to operation and training.
"The Chinese side made improvements to the station's interior design, making it very aesthetically pleasing. The quality of the exterior materials of the trains has also been enhanced. For example, the thickness has been increased and the sound insulation has been strengthened. Moreover, the fully-automated operation and control system of the light rail system is also very advanced. It can be said that Astana's light rail is currently the most advanced light rail system in Central Asia," said Abat Shynynbekov, vice chairman of the board of directors, LLP City Transportation Systems.
The newly launched first phase of the project spans 22.4 km and includes 18 stations.
The rail connects Astana's main business districts and residential areas. Under full load, each train operating on the line is capable of carrying about 650 people, with a maximum operating speed of 80 kilometers per hour.
A large number of local residents bought tickets to take the light rail on the first day of its operation, and they were full of praise for the reliability and high level of comfort of the Chinese equipment and technology.
"As soon as we got on the train, my kids asked me, 'Mom, where is the driver?' I told them this is a driverless train. It is absolutely wonderful for us to take the light rail. The achievements of modern technological development are making their way into people's daily lives. I'm very glad that Kazakhstan is also gradually introducing these high technologies," said a resident.
"I think that the development of Chinese technology is very rapid. Actively introducing Chinese technology is highly beneficial for Kazakhstan," said another resident. Kazakhstan is also considering a second phase of the project to further develop public transport, according to the official website of the Kazakh president.
Kazakhstan launches Astana light rail system
