Alstom opens its first signalling competencies centre in Astana to boost Kazakhstan’s railway modernisation

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has officially inaugurated its first signalling competencies centre in the CIS region. Located in Astana, this strategic centre will support the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s railway network through advanced signaling technologies and local engineering development. 

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.

This new hub will provide high-quality technical support and customised signalling solutions aligned with KTZ’s operational needs. It will also serve as a training centre for Kazakhstan specialists, contributing to the localisation of expertise and reinforcing the country’s rail ecosystem.

“The opening of this centre is a direct result of the agreements reached between KTZ and Alstom during President Kassym-Jomart Tokaïev’s visit to France. We can see that the company is fulfilling its commitments, and KTZ is providing the necessary support,” noted Ramazan Sadyrkulov, Chief Engineer of JSC NC KTZ.

Alstom will recruit and train Kazakhstani engineers in software and system development, with a focus on local deployment and long-term capability building.

Equipped with Onvia Lock, Alstom’s interlocking technology—already in use at 85 KTZ stations—the Astana competence centre will focus on the development, adaptation, and integration of signalling solutions. It will also support system maintenance, modernisation of legacy assets, technical documentation for KTZ projects, certification activities in line with TR TS 003/2011, and the training of operational teams.

“We are proud to open Alstom’s first signalling competence centre in the CIS region. This is an important step beyond our traditional businesses and focused on improving railway safety and efficiency. We are now producing signalling solutions in Kazakhstan and for Kazakhstan,” said Jérôme Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia.

In addition to supporting national projects, the centre will connect with Alstom’s global innovation network, fostering collaboration with international experts, academic institutions, and public stakeholders to promote cutting-edge rail technologies in Kazakhstan.

Alstom has been active in Kazakhstan’s railway sector since 2010. With over 1,300 employees in the country, the company plays a pivotal role in national transport and infrastructure development. As the sole manufacturer of electric locomotives in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Alstom operates seven industrial sites across four cities, including a locomotive assembly plant in Astana and multiple service depots nationwide.

Alstom™ , Onvia Lock™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.