Astana LRT Project to Be Renamed 'Tarlan-Astana'

The light rail transit (LRT) project in Astana, Kazakhstan, is set to undergo a rebranding as officials have chosen a new name for the system. At a recent maslikhat meeting, elected representatives voted to move away from the English acronym "LRT" and adopt a new, locally resonant name.

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This decision was proposed by our city onomastic commission, after which we reviewed several proposals. They were submitted by residents, and today a decision was made to rename the LRT as ‘Tarlan-Astana.’

Following a call for suggestions from city residents, several options were considered, including "Sunkar," "Lashyn," "Aspan," and "Tarlan." Ultimately, the deputies endorsed "Tarlan-Astana," a proposal put forward by the city's onomastic commission. Deputy Baurzhan Kasymbergebayev explained that the aim is to give the transit system a distinct identity, similar to how light rail systems in other countries have unique names.

Kasymbergebayev noted that while the technical term "LRT" describes the mode of transport, a proper name makes it more accessible and memorable for residents and visitors alike. He acknowledged that the project's long and controversial history, marked by delays and cost overruns, played a role in the decision to rename it. However, he emphasized that the primary motivation is to enhance the system's image and associate it more closely with Kazakhstan.

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It was proposed that the LRT in Astana should also be associated this way. Guests and tourists who come here would be able to immediately call it by a beautiful name.

The Astana LRT officially launched on May 16, featuring 18 stations that traverse key business and residential areas. The renaming initiative signifies a fresh start for the project, seeking to build a more positive public perception as it becomes operational.

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But to a greater extent, this is about making the LRT associated with our country and this name for tourists. So, it is more of an image-related matter.