We are honored to deliver steel structure works for Astana Phase I Light Rail, Central Asia’s first Chinese-standard automated driverless light rail. As the world’s second coldest capital with winter lows of -40℃, Astana demands strict cold-resistant steel construction solutions.
We executed full supply & construction of station frames, bridge girders, galvanized systems and modular camps under GB, EN and SNIP standards, overcoming cryogenic welding and anti-corrosion difficulties. We supported local industries and finished delivery with zero major safety accidents, and expect further cooperation on subsequent urban infrastructure projects.
Project Strategic Positioning
Phase I Astana Light Rail is the core livelihood infrastructure of Kazakhstan’s capital, as well as Central Asia’s first fully automatic driverless light rail line, a landmark transportation project built under the Belt and Road Initiative by China and Kazakhstan. The 22.4km fully elevated double-track line connects Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, Presidential Palace, National Museum, government ministries, core business districts, large residential areas and the new railway station, with 18 ground & elevated stations and 1 vehicle depot, designed for a maximum speed of 80km/h.
After opening to traffic, the commuting time between north and south of the city is shortened from 60 minutes to 28 minutes, with daily passenger flow ranging from 25,000 to 45,000, greatly alleviating ground traffic congestion and improving the modern public transport network of Astana.
Construction Difficulties under Astana’s Frigid Climate
Known as “the world’s second coldest capital”, Astana sees winter temperatures dropping as low as -40℃.
To meet the stringent requirements on structural strength and construction techniques brought by frigid conditions, we adopt special low-temperature resistant high-strength materials and standardized prefabrication technologies, ensuring the project remains stable, safe and delivered on schedule even under extreme weather.
Specialized Construction Techniques
Special Welding Technology under -40℃ Extreme Low Temperature
For Astana’s frigid winter, steel component welding adopts a complete set of processes including preheating before welding, interlayer temperature control and slow heating after welding to strictly control weld cooling speed and eliminate low-temperature brittle cracking. 100% non-destructive testing is carried out for all welds with 100% pass rate, complying with dual Eurasian steel structure welding codes.
Winter Anti-corrosion Protection System for Steel Components
On-site coating construction is only conducted during constant temperature window in daytime; fully closed thermal insulation & rain shelters are built for component stacking areas to prevent damage to galvanized layers and anti-rust paint under low temperature snowstorms, ensuring qualified anti-corrosion workmanship.
Cold-proof Cross-border Transportation & Lifting for Long-span Steel Components
Large lifting equipment is equipped with low-temperature anti-freezing engine oil and preheating maintenance schemes; anti-slip thermal fixing devices are installed on steel box girders and trusses for cross-border transportation on icy & snowy roads in Astana. Wind buffer measures are set for winter lifting to resist strong urban wind.
Full Thermal Insulation Supporting System for Modular Construction Camps
All on-site offices and dormitories adopt thickened thermal insulation prefab containers with independent internal heating systems, ensuring all-weather office and rest for construction staff even at -40℃ in winter, stabilizing labor supply of construction teams.
Special Structural Design for Snow Load
All roof purlins and station canopies are selected and calculated according to Astana’s design snow load standard of 150kg/㎡, increasing section bending resistance of components to eliminate the risk of roof collapse caused by winter snow accumulation.
Cold-proof Cross-border Transportation & Lifting for Long-span Steel Components
Large lifting equipment is equipped with low-temperature anti-freezing engine oil and preheating maintenance schemes; anti-slip thermal fixing devices are installed on steel box girders and trusses for cross-border transportation on icy & snowy roads in Astana. Wind buffer measures are set for winter lifting to resist strong urban wind.
Design Renderings
Station Scale Models
Master Plan Sand Table
Construction Process
Operational Views
Cooperation Outlook
Drawing on our proven experience in complete‑set steel structure technologies from the successful delivery of Phase I Astana Light Rail Transit, our company looks forward to extensive participation in the capital’s urban infrastructure development of Kazakhstan. This covers a full range of steel‑structure projects including the extended Phase‑II light‑rail line, urban river‑crossing bridges, municipal viaducts, large‑scale public venues, industrial park workshops, and modular resettlement camps.
Upholding high‑grade standards, specialized technologies and localized collaborative services, we will keep delivering stable and reliable one‑stop integrated steel‑structure solutions for Astana, the whole of Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. We aim to jointly build modern Central Asian cities under the Belt and Road Initiative.
