The first phase of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) scheme in Kazakhstan’s capital city, Central Asia’s first urban light rail system, is a 23km, fully elevated, segregated, driverless (GoA4) line with 18 stations and a depot. The metro-style system is in the final stages of testing and is due to open in early 2026. The planned 26.5km second phase of Astana LRT (Lines 2, 3 and 4) will expand the existing system with 23 additional stations.

Direx Solutions was engaged to perform an independent cost benchmarking and validation study to support the State’s planning and investment decisions for the Phase 2 project.

Following analysis of Phase 1’s scope, delivery history and outturn costs to establish a reliable empirical baseline, Direx Solutions benchmarked comparable international LRT and light metro projects, applying filters to match Astana’s elevated system design and station spacing.

The scope also included a review of Phase 2 high-level scope and quantities across alignment, stations, rolling stock, systems, depot, traction power and trackwork, and used Phase 1-derived unit rates and global norms to produce a robust high-level CAPEX estimate and a structured risk analysis.