Almaty's new strategic plan to receive approval during the initial months of the upcoming year
The government of Kazakhstan has approved a comprehensive development plan for the Almaty agglomeration, aiming to create a multifunctional region with a competitive economy and high quality of life. The plan, which extends until 2030, includes seven development vectors focusing on transportation, residential construction, tourism, production facilities, and social issues.
The transportation strategy for Almaty involves extensive improvements to the city's transport network. A bypass railway line is planned to ease traffic congestion, while upgrades on 11,000 km of roads and an additional 5,000 km of railway construction or modernization are underway nationwide. Almaty International Airport, a key hub, underwent a major expansion project, increasing its passenger capacity from 2.5 million to 14 million annually after opening a new terminal in June 2024.
The development also emphasizes enhancing air connectivity as central to regional integration. Modernized terminals in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda airports are expected to boost both passenger and cargo throughput. Kazakhstan’s broader logistics development includes strategic settlement in special economic zones, supported by $9 billion infrastructure investments planned for highways and railways.
In terms of residential construction, while no explicit project details are provided, rising housing prices in Almaty reflect increased demand linked to the expansion of logistics and industrial zones, suggesting ongoing active residential development.
Significant improvements in air transport infrastructure at Almaty Airport, including increased flight routes, directly support tourism growth. Enhanced airport capacity and new airport terminals stimulate both domestic and international tourism, boosting the region's investment appeal.
The development focuses on strengthening domestic manufacturing, particularly in transport machinery. Local plants produce freight and passenger electric locomotives, and collaborations with global corporations are encouraged to enhance production and employment. Logistics hubs such as the Tobyl logistics hub and air freight capacity expansions aim to grow the logistics sector significantly, attracting $2.4 billion in investments and creating hundreds of jobs.
Addressing social issues is another key aspect of the plan. Infrastructure improvements, increased employment opportunities through industrial and logistics development, and enhanced transport connectivity contribute towards improving living conditions, access, and economic growth.
The Almaty agglomeration development plan, which extends until 2050, integrates large-scale transportation infrastructure upgrades, particularly in air and rail, encourages domestic industrial production with global partnerships, supports robust logistics and residential growth, and enhances tourism capacity. In addition to Almaty, five cities, including the newly constructed Gate City, and 50 rural districts of Almaty region are included in the development scheme. The project includes 106 events with a budget of over one trillion tenge. The sustainable development of settlements in the suburban zone of Almaty city will determine the realization of Almaty city's general plan in the future.
The government's strategic plan for Almaty includes extensive improvements in the transportation sector, such as a bypass railway line, upgrades on 11,000 km of roads, and additional 5,000 km of railway construction or modernization nationwide, which falls under the finance industry since it requires significant infrastructure investments.
The growth in tourism in Almaty is facilitated by the development of air transport infrastructure, like the expansion of Almaty International Airport and modernized terminals in other key airports, which is a crucial aspect of the region's integration within the finance and transportation sectors.
