Tokayev instructs Satybaldy to speed up the launch of LRT and SkyTrain in Almaty

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy, according to the Akorda press service.

The President was briefed on the city’s socio-economic situation and the implementation of priority development areas.

Darkhan Satybaldy noted the positive dynamics of Almaty’s economy: by the end of 2025, growth amounted to 6.5 percent, while in January–February of this year the short-term economic indicator reached 9.4 percent. According to him, the main contribution came from industry, construction, transport, and trade.

The city’s investment portfolio exceeds 2.8 trillion tenge.

“The Industrial zone of Almaty and the Alatau Special Economic Zone are almost fully occupied, and their expansion is underway to attract new projects. Almaty continues to hold a leading position in the country’s IT sector. As part of digitalization, the Almaty AI Park is being formed, and the city video monitoring and analytics system based on artificial intelligence is being developed,” the Akorda statement said.

The development of the city’s tourism potential and mountain cluster is continuing. This year, the modernization of Shymbulak and the development of the adjacent gorges will begin.

“The implementation of these projects is synchronized with preparations for the 2029 Asian Winter Games. At the same time, hotel infrastructure is being expanded. Adjustments to the General Plan are being finalized, providing for a transition to a polycentric development model and restrictions on construction in the foothill zone,” the Akorda statement noted.

In the transport sector, priority is being given to the development of public transport, including the expansion of the BRT network, construction of the metro, and consideration of new transport solutions. Modernization of engineering infrastructure and the water supply system is also underway.

Special attention, the Akorda statement noted, is being paid to the environmental agenda, including the modernization of heat sources and the reduction of emissions.

Following the meeting, the Head of State gave a number of instructions, including the accelerated creation of Almaty AI Park, as well as intensifying work on the creation of the LRT and the SkyTrain system.