165 passengers and 20 kilometers per hour: new details about Almaty LRT

Tengrinews.kz – The Almaty Akimat has revealed new details regarding the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. This report outlines passenger capacity per train and when the final project costs will be determined.
What happened
According to the Akimat, the current feasibility study covers only infrastructure development, including track laying, the construction of overpasses and stations, and the installation of utility networks. The rolling stock itself is not included in this cost.

"The procurement of train cars is planned as a separate project, which includes the delivery of rolling stock, commissioning, testing, and launch. Relevant documentation will be developed for this phase, followed by a state expert review in accordance with established procedures," the department stated.

A supplier for the Almaty LRT cars has not yet been selected, as specialists are currently finalizing technical specifications. However, the primary parameters for the future transit system have already been established:

Estimated capacity: 165 passengers (including seated and standing positions);
Average travel speed: 20 kilometers per hour.

The final cost of the LRT project will be determined once a positive conclusion is received from the state expert review.
LRT construction in Almaty
Earlier, Almaty began dismantling tram tracks on Tole Bi Street, specifically the section between Sain Street and Utegen Batyr Street. The Akimat stated that these works are part of the preparations for the construction of the future LRT line. The tracks, which had remained untouched since the tram system was closed in 2015, are being removed to expedite the subsequent LRT construction process.
May 2026 / Photo © Tengrinews.kz / Akbota Silyam
May 2026 / Photo © Tengrinews.kz / Akbota Silyam
Timeline and route
The city Akimat previously announced that the first LRT line, spanning 18.3 kilometers, will follow the former tram route. It will connect the Alatau district industrial zone with the Almaty-2 railway station.
The route will run along Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Tole Bi streets, continuing down Abylai Khan Avenue to the Rayimbek Batyr transport interchange hub.

"The projected LRT line is an 18.3-kilometer double-track route connecting the Daraboz, 13, Gazhayyp, Nurkent, Alatau City, and Almaly micro-districts with the city center. The line will primarily run on a dedicated right-of-way along Momyshuly Street, Tole Bi Street, and Abylai Khan Avenue," stated a public discussion document regarding the first phase of the Almaty LRT line.

The line will feature 34 passenger platforms: 12 island-type and 22 side-type platforms. The track gauge will be 1,435 millimeters.

Tole Bi Street will have 4 island platform stations and 15 side-platform stations.
Momyshuly Street will have 5 island platform stations and 5 side-platform stations.
Abylai Khan Avenue will have 3 island platform stations and 2 side-platform stations.

Construction is scheduled to take place from April 2027 to April 2029.
Project financing
Construction of the LRT line is planned to be implemented through private investment.
The department explained that the total project budget will be finalized after the design phase is completed and construction cost estimates are calculated.
LRT fares and determining factors
Ticket prices have not yet been determined. The department previously clarified that the fare will depend on various factors, including state regulation, subsidy volumes, and the carrier's operating costs.
Integration with BRT and metro
The Almaty Road Infrastructure Development Department emphasizes that the LRT will not be an isolated system. It is being designed as part of Almaty's unified transport framework.

"The goal is for passengers to transfer quickly and conveniently, perceiving the system as a single network. In the future, the LRT will connect the western and eastern transport interchange hubs, integrating the metro, BRT, taxis, as well as city, suburban, and intercity bus routes," the department previously explained.

In December 2025, public hearings were held in Almaty regarding the city's General Development Plan through 2040. At the time, Askhat Saduov, General Director of the Almatygenplan Research Institute, stated that the LRT line would run from Barlyk station along Tole Bi Street to Almaty-2 station, and then along Abylai Khan Avenue to the Eastern Gates.
Saduov noted the possibility of using an EPC contract to accelerate the project.