Alstom, a global leader in intelligent and sustainable mobility, is building a new electric locomotive service depot in Arys, Turkistan region, reports Todayinfo.
On May 29, Alstom organized an introductory visit for stakeholders and media representatives to showcase the progress of construction of the new electric locomotive service depot in Arys, a key railway hub located along the Middle Corridor.
The Arys depot is one of four service facilities being implemented under the Investment Agreement signed between Alstom and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2023. In 2025, Alstom launched a depot in Shu and began construction of a similar facility in Astana. Additionally, the company's existing service depot operates in Almaty.
The new depot is designed to service Alstom-manufactured electric locomotives for the national railway operator, NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC. Once operational, the depot will be able to service up to 120 locomotive sections per month (or 1440 per year). The project is expected to increase the technical readiness percentage of locomotives to 97%, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of rail transport on domestic and international routes.
The location of the Arys depot strengthens its strategic role as a service hub in the Middle Corridor. The Middle Corridor is a vital transport route connecting China and Europe through Kazakhstan.
Under the Investment Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Alstom, an investment program totaling €50 million is being implemented, aimed at developing regional service centers in Astana, Arys, Shu, and Almaty. The creation of these service centers will improve the efficiency and reliability of railway equipment maintenance across the country. The project will create approximately 700 new jobs, contributing to the economic development of the regions and increasing employment.
The event was attended by Yerzhai Altayev, Deputy Akim of Turkistan region, Sylvain Guigue, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives from the Arys city administration, KTZ – Freight Transportation LLP, KTZ – Passenger Locomotives LLP, and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the visit, guests were presented with the current progress of construction work, the main functional areas of the future depot, and a visualization of the completed facility. Additionally, Alstom representatives spoke about the modern technological solutions that will be implemented in the areas of diagnostics, maintenance, and repair.
The development of service infrastructure for electric locomotives is of paramount importance for Kazakhstan's transport sector and economy. In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, the operating costs of electric locomotives are significantly lower compared to diesel locomotives, — said Jérôme Boyet, Managing Director of Alstom for Western and Central Asia.
Alstom has been operating in Kazakhstan's railway sector since 2010. Today, the company employs over 1300 people across the country. It plays a significant role in the development of the republic's transport and infrastructure sectors. As the sole manufacturer of electric locomotives in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Alstom manages seven production facilities in four cities, including a locomotive assembly plant in Astana and several maintenance depots across the country. The company continues to expand its operations by developing service infrastructure and supporting the country's growing transit potential.
