Alstom has officially inaugurated its first signalling competence centre in the CIS region. Located in Astana, the new facility is designed to support the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s railway network through advanced signalling technologies and the development of local engineering capabilities.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ramazan Sadyrkulov, Chief Engineer of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and Jérôme Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia.
The centre will deliver technical support and customised signalling solutions tailored to the operational needs of KTZ. It will also serve as a training hub for Kazakhstan’s railway specialists, helping to localise technical expertise and strengthen the country’s rail ecosystem.
“The opening of this centre is a direct result of the agreements reached between KTZ and Alstom during President Kassym-Jomart Tokaïev’s visit to France. We can see that the company is fulfilling its commitments, and KTZ is providing the necessary support,” said Ramazan Sadyrkulov.
Developing local expertise in advanced signalling
Alstom plans to recruit and train local engineers in software and system development, with an emphasis on long-term capability building and national deployment.
The centre is equipped with Onvia Lock, Alstom’s advanced interlocking technology, which is already operational at 85 KTZ stations. The facility will focus on the development, adaptation and integration of signalling solutions, while also supporting system maintenance, modernisation of legacy equipment, preparation of technical documentation, and certification activities in accordance with TR TS 003/2011. Operational team training will also form a key part of its remit.
“We are proud to open Alstom’s first signalling competence centre in the CIS region. This is an important step beyond our traditional businesses and focused on improving railway safety and efficiency. We are now producing signalling solutions in Kazakhstan and for Kazakhstan,” said Jérôme Boyet.
Global innovation and national development
While focused on serving domestic projects, the centre will also link with Alstom’s global innovation ecosystem. This will enable collaboration with international experts, academic partners and public stakeholders to promote the development of cutting-edge rail technologies in Kazakhstan.
Alstom has been active in Kazakhstan’s rail sector since 2010. The company now employs over 1,300 people across the country and plays a leading role in supporting national transport infrastructure. As the only manufacturer of electric locomotives in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Alstom operates seven industrial sites in four cities, including a locomotive assembly plant in Astana and several service depots across the network.
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