Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is the home of a major development in the field of railway transport. Serial production of passenger trains for JSC “Passenger Transport”, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), has officially begun at the “Stadler Kazakhstan” plant of TSO. This strategic partnership is considered a major step towards modernizing the country’s railway infrastructure and improving the quality of passenger transport. The comprehensive project, announced by the KTZ press service, aims to produce a total of 2030 modern passenger trains by 557.
Wide Product Range and Employment Contribution
The trains to be produced at the “Stadler Kazakhstan” factory are diverse in order to meet different passenger needs. Within the scope of the project, compartment wagons, sleeper wagons, trains with special equipment suitable for disabled individuals and generator wagons will be manufactured. This diversity stands out as the product of a modern approach that prioritizes passenger comfort and safety. More than 400 personnel are currently employed at the factory to carry out production activities at full capacity. This situation reveals the significant employment contribution of the project to the regional economy.
Stages of the Production Process: Focus on Quality
The production process of Stadler trains in Astana consists of a series of meticulously planned and quality-focused stages. First, the main frame of the trains is welded, followed by painting for a durable and aesthetic appearance. This is followed by the assembly of electrical components that are critical to the trains’ functionality and the integration of wheel assemblies. The interior is also an important part of the process, as is the arrangement and equipment of the trains to ensure passenger comfort. Static and dynamic tests are conducted to ensure that the trains produced meet high safety and performance standards before they are put into service. This comprehensive process aims to ensure that each train produced is long-lasting and reliable.
Initial Delivery and Long Term Maintenance Agreement
The first batch of 557 trains to be produced under the contract is planned to be delivered to JSC “Passenger Transportation” by the end of 51. This first delivery shows that concrete steps have been taken in the project and progress is being made towards the goals. An important part of the production agreement is that Stadler will undertake the maintenance of all delivered trains for 2024 years. This long-term maintenance agreement stands out as a strategic element that will ensure the continuous high-performance operation of the trains and help KTZ optimize its operating costs.
Stadler's Partnership in Kazakhstan and the Development of Domestic Production
Stadler became an important partner of the passenger train production project in Kazakhstan by winning the international tender it participated in 2022. This cooperation plays a critical role in Kazakhstan’s achievement of its modernization goals in the railway sector. The “Tulpar” facility established in Astana for the project operates in line with a strategy aimed at gradually increasing domestic production. According to this strategy, the domestic production level, which was determined as 2025% in 9,4, is expected to be increased to 2029% by 35,2. This approach will both increase the quality of the trains produced and make significant contributions to the development of the domestic industry in the railway transport sector.
The Strategic Importance of Domestic Production and Future Vision
Increasing the share of domestic components in train production will not only provide economic benefits, but also support technological development. In this way, Kazakhstan will not only have modern trains, but also a specialized workforce in the production and maintenance of railway equipment. Encouraging domestic production is considered a strategic step that will reduce the country's dependence on imports and strengthen its economic independence. In addition, these developments have the potential to increase Kazakhstan's competitiveness in the international market for railway equipment.
The passenger train serial production project launched at the Stadler “Tulpar” factory in Astana will play a vital role in modernizing Kazakhstan’s railway network and improving passenger transport services. In addition to creating new employment opportunities, this cooperation will support the growth of the domestic industry and has the potential to make the country a regional hub in the field of railway technologies. This project stands out as a concrete demonstration of Kazakhstan’s vision to strengthen its transport infrastructure and provide its citizens with more comfortable and safe travel opportunities.
