The government of Kazakhstan approved the plan for the agglomeration of Astana through to 2028 on February 27th. As the country’s capital since 1997, Astana has transformed into one of the most modern cities in Central Asia. The agglomeration will encompass more than 40 nearby towns and villages, aiming to enhance urban development, modernize social, engineering, and transport infrastructures, ensure environmental sustainability and safety, and prepare for emergencies.
The population of Astana has surged by 46% over the past decade, surpassing 1.43 million in January 2024. It is projected to reach 2.3 million by 2035. To address challenges posed by rapid suburban population growth and daily migration to and from the capital impacting infrastructure, ecology, and safety, new transport and logistics infrastructure will be established. This includes six logistics complexes, a service center for electric locomotive maintenance, and subsidies for suburban routes.
Furthermore, plans involve repairing over 400 km of existing roads, constructing 300 km of new roads and four bridges in surrounding towns and villages. To attract investment and bolster food supply, an industrial zone covering 300 hectares will host facilities for food production as well as industrial goods manufacturing.
During a meeting on this initiative, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the need to address pressing issues faced by suburban villages such as water supply, waste disposal, electricity stability, and road conditions. He stressed the importance of creating permanent jobs in these areas to promote sustainable development. By leveraging Astana as the hub of the agglomeration, efforts are underway to bridge the gap in living standards between the capital city and its neighboring settlements.
