New Talgo train to launch on troubled Almaty–Kostanay route

Tengrinews.kz – A new Talgo service will begin operating between Almaty and Kostanay, the national passenger rail operator told Tengrinews.

According to the press service of “Passenger Transportation” JSC, the Talgo train No. 119/120 will launch on 16 December and run on even-numbered days.

“The use of Talgo carriages will cut travel time by 12 hours compared to standard trains,” the company said.

The route will connect several major cities, including Kostanay, Tobol, Atbasar, Astana, Karaganda and Almaty.

A problematic route

The Almaty–Kostanay connection has drawn repeated complaints from passengers. In late June, travelers on train No. 43/44 reported that air conditioners were not working in extreme heat. The operator explained at the time that one of the carriages experienced a technical failure in its cooling system and noted that the wagon fleet is being gradually updated.

With the new launch, two trains — one private and one operated by the national carrier — will now serve this route.