High-speed Trains and Sweeping Views: Is the Wait Worth It?
High-Speed Trains with Panoramic Windows Not Imminent in Kazakhstan
Residents of Kazakhstan have expressed their desire for high-speed trains, particularly those with panoramic windows, to reduce travel time between major cities like Almaty and Astana. However, recent plans revealed by the national company "KAZZH" suggest that such trains are not part of their immediate objectives.
A resident from Petropavlovsk, inquisitive about the possibility of high-speed trains, sought an answer from our editorial office. She noted the extended journey times to Astana, often lasting up to 12 hours and emphasized the need for efficient passenger transportation.
In response to our query, "KAZZH" reported that they are planning to purchase over 900 new passenger carriages from 2023 to 2030. Yet, these plans do not include carriages with panoramic windows. The company hinted at the potential acquisition of such carriages in the future, should proposals be made for their operation.
As per the company's announcement, by 2025, 14 express trains, collectively referred to as "Talgau," will be operational in Kazakhstan. Although these trains offer reduced travel times, the rollout of high-speed trains is not scheduled for 2025-2026. The implementation of such routes will be considered after the modernization of the company's railway infrastructure.
Given these developments, the reality of high-speed trains with panoramic windows seems unlikely in the near future. Infrastructure modernization is essential before the debut of these highly anticipated trains.
It's worth noting that while long-distance high-speed trains remain elusive, Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) continues to modernize and expand its freight capabilities through the delivery of diesel and hybrid locomotives from CRRC China[1]. Moreover, urban transit improvements are underway in the capital Astana with the introduction of light rail transit trains, scheduled for 2025[2].
However, these developments focus primarily on freight capacity expansions and urban transit upgrades rather than high-speed passenger trains with panoramic windows. As of May 2025, no specific timeline or plans for their introduction have been released.
[1] CRRC China to modernize and expand Kazakhstan Railways with diesel locomotives and maintenance facilities (cnbc.com)[2] CRRC Tangshan to supply light rail transit trains to Astana (CRRC)
What about the possibility of integrating panoramic windows in the future finance investments for the transportation industry, considering the expressed interest in high-speed trains with such features in Kazakhstan's railway industry?
Could the strategy of "KAZZH" include future plans to invest in passenger transportation projects, such as high-speed trains with panoramic windows, alongside their freight capabilities expansions and urban transit upgrades?
