Astana Launches Driverless Light Rail Transit System After Years of Delays

After years of delays and construction setbacks, Kazakhstan’s capital Astana has launched its new driverless Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The 22.4-kilometre line includes 18 stations linking major sites including the airport, Nurly Zhol railway station and the city centre. Officials said the trains, manufactured in China for Astana’s harsh climate, can carry up to 600 passengers each. The project, first proposed in the mid-2000s, cost around $1.8 billion and resumed construction in 2023 after being suspended for several years. Authorities expect up to 45,000 passengers to use the system daily.