Global Times: Central Asia's first urban light rail launches operation in Astana, marking a major BRI milestone for China and Kazakhstan

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[{"type":"text","content":"Global Times: Kazakhstan launches Central Asia’s first light rail system, built with Chinese technology under BRI cooperation.","length":126,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Beijing, CHINA, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first phase of the Astana Light Rail project in Kazakhstan's capital Astana officially began operation, marking the launch of Central Asia's first urban light rail system, with China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau Co, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Co (CSCEC), serving as the project's main contractor.Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the inauguration ceremony in the Kazakh capital on Saturday and expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for the successful implementation of the project.The launch marks another achievement of high-quality cooperation between China and Central Asian countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and it will provide strong support for more convenient travel for local residents in Kazakhstan, an industry insider said.The project, which is also the region's first fully automated driverless smart rail transit line, and the first city light rail built entirely with Chinese technology, Chinese standards and Chinese equipment, has become an important achievement of China-Kazakhstan BRI cooperation upon its completion and operation, the Global Times learned from the company.With a total length of 22.4 kilometers, the first phase of the Astana light rail project is fully elevated with double tracks, featuring 18 stations, and uses a GOA4-level fully automated driverless system with a maximum operating speed of 80 kilometers per hour.Global Times reporters learned from CSCEC that on the opening day of Phase I of the light rail, all 18 stations along the line saw heavy passenger flows in good order. Many people came, especially the elderly and children, and some locals dressed in traditional ethnic costumes took photos to experience the new transit line.Inside the carriages, the modern and bright interior as well as smooth and quiet rides won wide praise from passengers. Young people recorded moments with cameras and shared them on social media, while parents brought their children to experience the charm of driverless technology. The average daily passenger flow is expected to reach 25,000 to 45,000 in the initial o...

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