Zhenis Kassymbek Highlights Astana’s Top Problem

Astana’s mayor, Zhenis Kassymbek, stated that traffic congestion has become the city’s main issue. According to the mayor, issues that were prioritized two to three years ago, such as heating, water supply, and stormwater drainage, have now significantly improved.

“Currently, the number one issue is traffic,” Kassymbek said during a Maslikhat session.

He added that the city is actively developing its transport infrastructure. New roads are being built in Astana, two bridges are being designed, and preparations for the launch of the LRT system are nearly complete. After the extension of Tauelsizdik Street, traffic congestion on Mangilik El, Turan, and Kabanbai Batyr streets is expected to decrease. Major traffic jams remain in the Esil and Nura districts near the bridges.

Zhenis Kassymbek also noted that shifting the start of the workday in government agencies to 7:30–8:00 has positively affected traffic flow. During peak hours, vehicle speeds have increased by 10–15%.

In the near future, the city administration will present a program for developing Astana’s transport infrastructure, outlining concrete solutions to reduce traffic congestion.