Almaty – Kaskelen highway to be expanded to eight lanes - when work will begin

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting regarding the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's instructions. He emphasized that project execution must commence without delay.

"The Head of State noted the complaints from residents of Almaty and nearby settlements regarding the heavy congestion on the Almaty–Kaskelen road. The President has ordered an immediate start to the road expansion project. The contractor must mobilize equipment and personnel by the end of this week. Construction work is to begin on Monday, July 20. The Head of State's instructions must be carried out with high quality and within the shortest possible timeframe," Bektenov said.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the project cost will remain fixed and will not increase. Furthermore, to prevent speculation, the value of land plots to be acquired for construction has been ordered to be fixed as of July 14.

According to Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, the project covers an 8-kilometer section. In addition to widening the road to eight lanes, the project includes the construction of two interchanges and nine pedestrian overpasses.

Once completed, the section's throughput capacity is expected to double. Construction is scheduled to be finished and traffic opened by December 2027.

According to Almaty Akim Darkhan Satybaldy, approximately 300,000 cars enter the city daily, and including internal city traffic, total volume exceeds one million vehicles.

In addition to the Almaty–Kaskelen expansion, the meeting reviewed other projects aimed at improving transport connectivity between Almaty and the surrounding region. These include the modernization of the Almaty–Esik and Almaty–Talgar roads, the construction of an alternative road from the village of Uzynagash, and the extension of Abay Avenue to the BAKAD (Big Almaty Ring Road). Simultaneously, authorities continue to develop projects for rail transport and the Almaty Metro.