Almaty Metro faces safety review after smoke incident halts services

Senator Galyaskar Sarybayev has demanded a full safety review of the Almaty Metro after a recent smoke incident disrupted services. The call follows concerns over technical failures and risks linked to ongoing modernisation efforts. The metro, which carries over 26 million passengers each year, now faces scrutiny over its long-term reliability and safety measures. The smoke incident occurred due to a technical malfunction, forcing passengers to evacuate. Sarybayev highlighted the event as evidence of deeper technological and operational risks within the system. He has pushed for an immediate investigation into the causes and potential hazards tied to rolling stock upgrades.

The senator warned that modernisation efforts could introduce new problems, including technical incompatibility and higher error rates. He urged officials to conduct a detailed risk assessment, focusing on safety, system stability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Future procurements, he argued, must prioritise quality and seamless integration to avoid further disruptions. The Almaty Metro currently serves between 100,000 and 120,000 passengers daily. Expansion plans, such as the completion of the Kalkaman station and line extensions, are already in progress. Sarybayev framed these developments as an opportunity to establish a sustainable safety model for the network.

The senator’s proposals aim to address immediate risks while shaping long-term safety standards for the metro. A thorough investigation into the smoke incident and modernisation risks is now expected. Any future upgrades will need to align with stricter quality and compatibility requirements to ensure passenger safety.