Kazakhstan: Astana launches light rail transit system.

Astana, Kazakhstan - May 17, 2026 Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attends the inauguration ceremony for Astana's new light rail transit system in the Kazakh capital on May 17, 2026. The country officially launched the first phase of the LRT system, which spans 22.4 kilometers and includes 18 stations, with Tokayev calling it an event of special significance and expressing gratitude to China for the project's implementation. (Video by Zhang Jiye, Ao Sipanuofu/Xinhua/Sipa USA) *** World Rights Except China *** CHINA OUT ***