Alstom has inaugurated its first signalling competence centre in the CIS region, located in Astana, to advance the modernisation and digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s railway network. The new facility will provide customised signalling solutions, technical support, and training for local specialists, strengthening the country’s rail infrastructure and operational safety.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ramazan Sadyrkulov, Chief Engineer of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and Jérôme Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia. The centre is a direct outcome of agreements signed between KTZ and Alstom during President Kassym-Jomart Tokaïev’s visit to France.
Equipped with Alstom’s Onvia Lock interlocking technology—already deployed at 85 KTZ stations—the hub will focus on developing, adapting, and integrating signalling systems, modernising legacy assets, maintaining equipment, preparing technical documentation, and carrying out certification in line with TR TS 003/2011 standards. It will also train engineers in software and system development to support long-term local capability building.
“This marks a significant step beyond our traditional business activities, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency on Kazakhstan’s railways. We are now producing signalling solutions in Kazakhstan and for Kazakhstan,” said Jérôme Boyet. The facility will also link with Alstom’s global innovation network, enabling collaboration with international experts, academic institutions, and public bodies to promote advanced rail technologies.
Alstom has operated in Kazakhstan since 2010 and employs more than 1,300 people across seven industrial sites in four cities, including a locomotive assembly plant in Astana and multiple service depots. The company is the only electric locomotive manufacturer in Central Asia and the Caucasus, contributing significantly to the region’s transport and infrastructure development.
