The Mayor of Almaty led a delegation to visit China and held intensive talks with senior executives of leading transportation infrastructure companies such as China Civil Engineering Corporation and China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The Almaty Road Infrastructure Development Bureau, CRRC, and Kazakhstan Integra Construction KZ signed a memorandum of cooperation on light rail projects and vehicle supply. On the same day, a Chinese enterprise consortium signed a SkyTrain line design and construction agreement with a Kazakh enterprise, marking a substantial step in China Kazakhstan urban rail cooperation.

Sign Memorandum of Understanding between Light Rail and SkyTrain

According to the News Department of Almaty Municipal Government, during the visit of the Mayor of Almaty to China in early June 2026, the focus will be on discussing cooperation with Chinese enterprises in the expansion of light rail, SkyTrain, and subway.

After the talks, the Almaty Road Infrastructure Development Bureau, CRRC China, and Kazakhstan's local enterprise Integra Construction KZ signed a memorandum of cooperation on the implementation of light rail projects and the supply of supporting vehicles; A consortium composed of Chinese companies has also signed a contract with Integra Construction KZ to participate in the design and construction of the Almaty SkyTrain line.

The first phase of light rail is planned to be put into operation in 2027

The Almaty City Council has approved the 2026 budget adjustment plan, adding approximately 92.7 billion tenge for public transportation, of which 61.4 billion tenge is dedicated to light rail construction.

The first phase of the light rail project has a total length of 18.3 kilometers, laid along Tolebi Street, Ablehan Street, and Momishuli Street, connecting Almaty Station 2 with the Alatau Industrial Zone. It is planned to be completed and put into operation in December 2027. President Tokayev of Kazakhstan has requested the completion of the SkyTrain project implementation plan study by August 1, 2026.

Chinese enterprises deeply cultivate the Harbin market

In May 2026, the first urban light rail in Central Asia, Astana Light Rail Phase I, will be opened. The entire line will adopt Chinese equipment, technology, and standards, which is a landmark project for China's rail transit industry chain to go global.

The cooperation between Almaty Light Rail and SkyTrain project will provide important opportunities for Chinese enterprises to deeply participate in the new round of rail transit construction in Kazakhstan, and promote the modernization and upgrading of the local public transportation system.Editor/Gao Xue