LRT construction to reach Ablai Khan – what awaits drivers in Almaty

Tengrinews.kz — Construction of Almaty's first LRT line is ongoing. Contractors are currently working on Tole Bi and Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Streets, with Abylai Khan Avenue set to be the next phase. Tengrinews inquired about the work schedule and potential road closures.
Development on Abylai Khan Avenue
The Department of Road Infrastructure Development reported that work on Abylai Khan Avenue has not yet commenced.
Note: According to the project, this section of the LRT will run toward the Almaty-2 railway station. The final point of the first phase will be the Raiymbek Batyr transport hub.
The department did not provide a specific start date for construction on Abylai Khan Avenue, but officials promise to complete the work as quickly as possible.

"Work on Abylai Khan Avenue has not yet started. Given the specific traffic patterns in this area, construction and installation will be completed in the shortest possible timeframe to minimize inconvenience for residents and motorists," the department stated.

"Traffic on Tole Bi is fully open": Current status of the section
The department assures that traffic on Tole Bi is now fully open, and excavation work in the center lanes is nearly complete.

"If utility relocation is required, short-term traffic restrictions with a reversible lane scheme may be introduced. Currently, localized work is being carried out to relocate and protect utility networks; consequently, restrictions on specific sections usually do not exceed 1–2 days," the agency explained.

The bulk of the construction and installation work is being carried out in the two center lanes, while the outer lanes remain open for vehicles.
Will the center lanes be returned to motorists?
Once construction is complete, the two center lanes on Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Tole Bi Streets will not be returned to motorists. According to the project, they will be fully dedicated to LRT train traffic and separated from the rest of the roadway by a curb.

"This solution will prioritize public transport, improve the frequency and speed of trains, and reduce the risk of traffic accidents," the department explained.

The fate of bus lanes
Meanwhile, the question regarding the bus lanes located along the edges of Tole Bi Street remains open. We previously asked the department whether they would be maintained after the LRT launch. We were informed that the matter is still under consideration and no final decision has been made.
LRT launch timeline
The first phase of the LRT is scheduled to launch in late 2027. However, the timeline may depend on how quickly the required number of cars can be manufactured and delivered.
The department stated that authorities are in negotiations with major global manufacturers, but a final supplier has not yet been selected. Options under consideration include cars equipped with supercapacitors.
Note. These would be capable of charging at stops, eliminating the need for an overhead contact line along the entire route.

"If manufacturers confirm the capability to produce the necessary number of cars within a shorter timeframe, the project's implementation could be significantly accelerated," the department noted.

Preliminary estimates suggest that manufacturing the rolling stock will take between one and two years.
The Almaty LRT route
The first LRT line, spanning 18.3 kilometers 26 kilometers, will connect the Alatau District Industrial Zone with the Almaty-2 railway station. The route will follow Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Tole Bi Streets, then proceed along Abylai Khan Avenue to the Almaty-2 station. The terminal station will be the Raiymbek Batyr transport hub.
The line will be entirely at ground level—there are no plans to build elevated tracks.
Note. However, the department clarified that elevated tracks are planned for another Almaty transport project: SkyTrain. This is a monorail system where trains will run on rubber tires along a specialized concrete beam.
It was previously reported that 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 accommodate 4 island stations and 15 side stations.
Momyshuly Street will have 5 island stations and 5 side stations.
Ablai Khan Avenue will feature 3 island stations and 2 side stations.

Maximum train speed
The department reported that the trains will be capable of reaching up to 65–70 kilometers per hour. Due to stops approximately every 700 meters, the average speed will be around 30–35 kilometers per hour.
Earlier reports indicated that the rolling stock will be able to carry up to 285 passengers.