The Smart City project in Astana is becoming one of the key directions of the country’s digital transformation. It integrates the automation of municipal services, the development of transport infrastructure, increased energy efficiency, enhanced public safety, and environmental monitoring, El.kz reports.
Digitalization and security
The project includes the expansion of video surveillance systems using AI technologies. Authorities emphasize the importance of transparent and lawful use of data. The issue of personal data protection is actively discussed among residents, and the city administration notes that digital solutions will be implemented strictly within the legal framework.
During a meeting on the development of the capital, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the practical importance of the project.
“The principle of ‘Law and Order’ must work in practice. I instructed to complete the implementation of the project as soon as possible,” he stated.
The President also noted that similar platforms should be introduced in all cities of the country, with coordination assigned to the relevant ministry.
The Head of State also drew attention to the importance of international experience.
“Last week, I paid an official visit to Japan and met with the Governor of Tokyo. We discussed cooperation in digital technologies and reviewed the Smart City project in Tokyo. Japan is effectively introducing advanced solutions into public administration. We agreed to exchange experience,” the President noted.
Transport and urban infrastructure
Within the project, Astana is developing intelligent solutions for traffic and public transport management. Plans include the introduction of electronic tickets and real-time route monitoring. These measures are expected to reduce road congestion and make travel more convenient for residents. Management processes will be integrated into a unified digital platform, enabling quick responses to traffic changes and improving street safety.
According to Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek, the project involves both domestic and international companies, while previously implemented solutions continue to operate and integrate into the new system.
“Presight, a company from the UAE has invested 53 billion tenge. As part of the project, a supercomputer is being built to manage city processes,” Kassymbek said.
The development of this digital infrastructure will allow coordinated operation of municipal services and law enforcement, improve emergency response efficiency, and maintain order in the capital. For this purpose, a Data Processing Center and an Operations Center are being built, where information from all city cameras and systems will be collected.
Economy and human resources
Smart City is viewed not only as a technological but also an economic project. It promotes investment in the IT sector, the growth of tech startups, and the creation of new jobs. However, challenges remain, including a shortage of specialists and the need for close cooperation between the government and businesses. These issues remain central to the country’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
To support the functioning of the smart platform, a modern data center is being built in Astana. An intelligent surveillance network will also be deployed, covering schools, social facilities, transport hubs, and public spaces.
Presight AI Kazakhstan highlighted that the main goal of the project is to form a sustainable digital ecosystem.
“We are shifting city management from reactive to proactive. This will improve safety, infrastructure reliability, and service convenience for residents,” the company stated.
Situation Center
A key element of the project will be the AI-powered City Situation Center. It will integrate over 15 city and national systems - video surveillance, transport, utilities, healthcare, education, and others enabling real-time decision-making and faster emergency response.
By the end of the year, the city sets to install over 20,000 new smart cameras equipped with over 35 AI-based video analytics algorithms, including facial and behavioral recognition, traffic analytics, and automatic emergency notifications.
In transport, Astana is developing an LRT control system with the highest automation level, GoA-4, which implies fully driverless train operation. The city also uses the Aimsun system, which applies machine learning to model and forecast traffic flows, allowing congestion prevention and route optimization based on a digital road network model.
Astana has implemented an electronic fare payment system (E-Ticket), covering over 2 million transport cards and 650,000 daily trips. Over 27,000 virtual cards have been issued for students and privileged groups. Solutions are being introduced for passenger counting, fare evasion analytics, and integration of transport IT infrastructure into a modern data center.
Scaling project
Astana’s experience is expected to be applied in other major cities of Kazakhstan. Regions have already begun implementing digitalization elements related to transport management, environmental monitoring, and industrial facilities. Over time, these solutions may be united into similar platforms, forming a modern urban management system nationwide.
The Smart City project in Astana is a comprehensive initiative that brings together technology, business, and government institutions. Its successful implementation depends on transparency, public trust, and the training of qualified specialists. The digital platform is becoming a foundation for improving quality of life and shaping a model for modern cities across the country.
According to a survey, 85% of Astana residents see child and school safety as the top priority, 51% expect fewer road accidents and improved transport safety, 46% support equal camera coverage across all districts including suburbs, and 91% approve of camera centralization and the use of AI. The project aims to ensure all of this.
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: EL.kz, 26.12.2025
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