Astana's cobblestone sidewalks stay—despite calls for asphalt upgrades

Astana's sidewalks will keep their cobblestones for now, despite calls for smoother surfaces. Talgat Rakhmanberdi, head of the Baykonur district, recently explained why asphalt hasn't replaced the traditional paving. He acknowledged that high-quality asphalt would offer clearer benefits for maintenance and convenience in the city.

Rakhmanberdi highlighted the practical challenges of cobblestones, particularly in winter. Cleaning them during icy conditions can be difficult, sometimes even impossible. Asphalt, in contrast, is far easier to maintain and keep clear.

The main obstacle to switching lies in production capacity. Astana currently relies on a single bitumen plant in Pavlodar for asphalt materials. While Kazakhstan has between 15 and 20 such plants by 2026, most are concentrated in regions like Akmola, Almaty, and Karaganda. Major operators, including KazMunayGas and local road construction firms, run facilities in cities such as Almaty, Karaganda, and Shymkent—but not yet in sufficient proximity to Astana.

For now, cobblestones remain the default for Astana's sidewalks. The city lacks immediate access to locally produced asphalt, making a full transition impractical. Officials continue to weigh the long-term benefits of smoother pavements against current logistical constraints.