China: CRRC has despatched two four-car trainsets at its Tangshan facility. According to Astana’s passenger operator City Transportation Systems, these units will arrive in the capital of Kazakhstan by June, with the remaining 17 vehicles scheduled for delivery before year-end.
The rolling stock’s type is held in confidence, but the parameters correspond to the TRITON model, previously supplied to Izmir, Türkiye. The 60 m long aluminium-bodied trains will be able to accommodate up to 650 passengers and reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. The vehicles are reported to be fitted with the GoA4 level automation system in Astana. In addition, the trains will feature a 15% weight reduction and 10% improved energy efficiency compared to previous models.
Inside the first CRRC train for Astana LRT. Source: CTS
The Astana LRT project has been under development since 2011. The construction of the line began only in 2017 but paused due to finance issues and bribery scandals. In March 2023 the work continued, with trial operation now scheduled to begin this September.
