Alstom Opens First CIS Signalling Competence Centre to Drive Kazakhstan Rail Digitalisation

Astana Signalling Centre ceremony. Credit: Alstom

(IN BRIEF) Alstom has inaugurated its first signalling competence centre in the CIS region, based in Astana, to support Kazakhstan’s railway digitalisation with advanced signalling solutions and local engineering development. The centre, launched on 5 August 2025, will deliver customised technical support, interlocking technology via Onvia Lock™, and maintenance services for JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), while also modernising legacy systems and ensuring compliance with TR TS 003/2011 standards. It will recruit and train Kazakhstani engineers in software and systems to localise expertise and reinforce the national rail ecosystem. By integrating into Alstom’s global innovation network, the hub will facilitate collaboration with international experts and institutions to bring cutting-edge rail technology to Kazakhstan. Alstom has been active in the country since 2010, operating seven industrial sites and manufacturing electric locomotives for the Central Asian and Caucasus markets.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 6-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom, a world leader in intelligent and sustainable mobility, officially opened its first signalling competence centre in the CIS region, situated in Astana, Kazakhstan. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to accelerate the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s railway network by delivering advanced signalling technologies and nurturing local engineering talent.

At the inauguration ceremony, Jérôme Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia, emphasized the centre’s role in enhancing rail safety and operational efficiency: “With this hub, we’re moving beyond our traditional business model to produce signalling solutions in Kazakhstan for Kazakhstan.” Joining him was Ramazan Sadyrkulov, Chief Engineer of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), who noted that the centre’s launch fulfills commitments made during President Tokaïev’s visit to France and benefits from KTZ’s full support.

The Astana centre will supply bespoke technical support, system integration, and ongoing maintenance services tailored to KTZ’s requirements. Equipped with Alstom’s proven Onvia Lock™ interlocking technology—already deployed at 85 KTZ stations—the facility will also undertake modernisation of legacy assets, prepare technical documentation compliant with TR TS 003/2011 standards, and certify signalling projects. Crucially, it will serve as a training hub, recruiting and upskilling Kazakhstani engineers in software and system development to foster local expertise and strengthen the national rail ecosystem.

By linking into Alstom’s global innovation network, the competence centre will collaborate with international experts, academic institutions, and public-sector stakeholders to introduce cutting-edge rail advances in Kazakhstan. Since entering the country in 2010, Alstom has become the sole manufacturer of electric locomotives in Central Asia and the Caucasus, operating seven industrial sites—including a locomotive assembly plant in Astana—and employing over 1,300 staff across national service depots.

Media contact:

AMECA VP Communications
Souade Bekhti

SOURCE: ALSTOM