22.4 kilometers, 18 stations, 650 passengers per train, speed of 80 km/h, and driverless trains.

As reported by CCTV+, on Saturday, Kazakhstan officially launched the Astana Light Rail Transit system — the first fully automated urban LRT without drivers in Central Asia. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the opening ceremony.

Tokayev called the launch an event of special significance for Astana and Kazakhstan, stating that the capital should ultimately become a transport hub for Eurasia. He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for the successful implementation of the project.

The Astana LRT project is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Kazakhstan. It is the first urban rail transit line in Kazakhstan’s capital and the first rail transit project in Central Asia fully built using Chinese technology and equipment. Chinese companies oversaw the entire project — from design and construction to operation and staff training.

Abat Shinynbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of City Transport Systems LLC, noted: “The Chinese side made improvements to the interior design of the station, making it very aesthetically pleasing. The quality of the external materials of the carriages has also been improved. For example, the thickness has been increased and sound insulation has been enhanced. Moreover, the fully automated control and monitoring system of the LRT is also very modern. It can be said that the Astana LRT is currently the most advanced LRT system in Central Asia.”

The first phase of the project, with a length of 22.4 kilometers, includes 18 stations. The line connects the main business districts of Astana with residential areas. Each train can carry about 650 passengers. The maximum operating speed is 80 kilometers per hour.

On the first day of operation, a large number of local residents bought tickets and highly appreciated the reliability and comfort of the Chinese equipment. One resident shared: “As soon as we got on the train, my children asked me, ‘Mommy, where is the driver?’ I told them this is a driverless train. For us, it is just wonderful to ride the LRT. The achievements of modern technological development are penetrating people’s daily lives. I am very glad that Kazakhstan is also gradually introducing these high technologies.”

Another resident added: “I think the development of Chinese technology is moving very fast. The active introduction of Chinese technology is very beneficial for Kazakhstan.”

According to the official website of the President of Kazakhstan, a second phase of the project is being considered to further develop public transport.

Astana has received trains that run without drivers. Chinese technology, Kazakhstani rails and a shared future. Passengers are surprised, children look for the driver with their eyes, but the train just moves. Quiet, fast, safe. This is not just transport. It is a symbol. That Central Asia is switching to the rails of progress.

And behind this progress is neither Europe nor America. But a neighbor who did not sell the technology, but helped build it. The question is not how many more countries will choose the Chinese path. The question is how many residents of those countries, like children in Astana, will ask in surprise: “Where is the driver?” And smile when they hear: “There is none. The train drives itself.” Because the future is already here. And it is on rails.