Astana light rail line carries about 70,000 passengers daily
The light rail system in Astana, Kazakhstan, carries an average of about 70,000 passengers per day four months after it began operating. This is reported by ECNS, citing Kazinform, which quotes Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs. The system is described as the first urban light rail system in Central Asia.
Route and rolling stock
The first phase of the 22.4-kilometre line was put into operation on May 16. It connects the international airport, the botanical garden, the government district, the National Museum and Astana railway station.
The line has 18 stations, and train operations are fully automated and conducted without drivers. Nineteen four-car trains are used for transportation, each capable of carrying more than 600 passengers.
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Security and company involvement
Transport police officers are stationed at all 18 stations. They also patrol the trains and conduct security checks. Since the line was launched, law enforcement officers have returned more than 200 lost items to passengers.
China State Construction Engineering Corporation was the project's main contractor. Chinese companies also participated in the design, construction, operation of the system and staff training.
