Trams are returning to Almaty: where will they run?

Tengrinews.kz – Almaty is planning to reintroduce trams to the city. Askhatsaduov, the CEO of "Almatygenplan," shared the future tram routes during the SHARE International Architecture Forum in Almaty.

“The tram will return to the city from 'Barlyk' along Tole Bi Street, in the same corridor as before. We plan to extend the line towards the airport to connect the east and west. These are the main migration corridors along the city. Our goal is for people to be able to travel between central points in the city within 20 minutes. This is a global practice and common sense,” said Saduov.

Currently, a technical and economic justification for the project is being developed. According to Saduov, the timeline for implementation will depend on the contract format and funding sources.

"If it's an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction + Financing) contract, we could launch the tram within five years. The longer the construction, the more expensive it becomes, so attracting investors will help save costs," he added.

BRT or tram?

Saduov also mentioned that the new BRT line being constructed along Rayymbek Avenue could be converted into a tram line.

"Trams carry more passengers than BRT. So, if necessary, this line could become a tram line," he explained.

In response to concerns about potential blackouts, Saduov highlighted that modern trams are equipped with batteries similar to electric buses, allowing them to maintain their range.

"Technology has come a long way. Trams now consume much less electricity than before, and energy-efficient solutions are already in use," he added.

Construction of the BRT system began on April 23 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with work progressing in stages over a 16.5-kilometer stretch.

When and why did trams disappear in Almaty?

Trams stopped operating in Almaty after a series of accidents in 2015. On September 21, a tram's brakes failed at the intersection of Shevchenko and Masanchi streets, colliding with 17 cars and injuring five people. Three weeks later, a similar accident occurred at the intersection of Seyfullin and Makataev: the tram crashed into 14 cars, injuring four people. After these incidents, citizens began to fear trams, and their operation was suspended.