Astana introduces plans on light rail transport system

Smart Astana_97218f498074079bd2cf199fd95633fbThe Kazakh Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed in April an agreement to finance a project which stipulates the development of a network of electric trains in Astana.
“This project will enhance urban mobility and will improve life quality supporting a balanced growth in the rapidly-expanding capital”, according to the Ministry of Economy and Budget Planning. According to this new agreement, the construction of the light rail system will be initiated and large-capacity buses will be introduced. After long delays of this project, it seems that Astana would finally benefit from a light rail transport network. If completed, it would be the first major project of the urban transport sector in the Kazakh capital.

The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is an urban agglomeration which has experienced a rapid development and expansion over the past years, with a population estimated at over 1.2 million inhabitants by 2020 from the current 750 thousand. The Government in Astana has planned to build a rapid light rail network, but plans have been quite difficult to implement as they lacked viable financing. But it is seems that the agreement recently signed with the Asian Development Bank will help Astana and its citizens to enjoy a rapid light rail transport network. The new rapid transport system could be built partly suspended, partly at grade.
As any other large urban agglomeration, Astana also needs the implementation of a light rail transport system, especially since this rapid development in the past years is questionable in terms of sustainable mobility. The capital of Kazakhstan is currently facing many problems generated by traffic congestions, environment pollution and a public transport system that struggles to provide the population with a level of comfort and efficiency for daily transportation. Thus, after several postponements of the light rail project caused by financial problems, the possibility of financing the construction of this public transport system is welcomed. The railway could be commissioned in 2017, when EXPO – 2017 will be held, an important event for Astana, “its success mostly depending on ensuring an efficient and quality public transport”, as local authorities announce.
The transport and transit problems in Astana are still far from being resolved, but the mayor of the capital, Imangali Tasmagambetov, announced that “as of 2014, the main focus will be the development of the public transport system”.
The possibility of financing a light rail transport system is, of course, hopeful if we keep in mind the fact that at the end of last week, the authorities, including the president of the country, announced that such a project is too expensive.
At the time, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev believed that the project on the construction of a light rail system in Astana, proposed following studies carried out by French companies, was very expensive. Thus, instead of a light rail transport network, Astana suggested a rapid bus transport network.
“The French companies have proposed a very expensive project of over KZT 300 Billion (USD 19 Million). It is unacceptable to us. In response, local authorities (Akimat) have suggested to consider the possibility of developing a rapid bus line”, said Kazakh President in December last year.

The “Smart Astana” project has already been launched. The first phase includes two directions, “Safe City” and “Intelligent Transport System”, the finalization of the entire “Smart Astana” project being estimated for 2017. “Smart Astana” relies on the development model of smart European cities. Thus, special attention will be granted to public transport. Modern trams will provide an integrated urban mobility solution. This is very important because currently Kazakhstan has no modern transport system.

Photo:  ortcom.kz

[ by Elena Ilie ]
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