The move is intended to combine digital innovation and long-term infrastructure planning with further modernise urban mobility while strengthening the country’s position as a key transit hub across Eurasia.
The first practical steps have been taken with first phase of trials already being carried out.
According to Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Dmitry Mun, an autonomous vehicle was recently tested in experimental mode at a specialised site located at a public service centre in Astana.
The next stage is expected in 2026, when driverless cars are planned to operate in pilot mode in a designated section of the city, marking their first interaction with real urban traffic conditions.
At the same time, the government is working to establish the legal and regulatory framework needed for the safe operation of autonomous transport.
The Ministry of Digital Development is assessing which legislative changes and technical standards will be required.
Some elements of the necessary infrastructure are already in place. In both Astana and Almaty, parts of the traffic light system are equipped with digital chips that transmit information on signal changes.
Officials note, however, that overall readiness remains incomplete and that additional technological and regulatory measures are still needed.
Beyond passenger transport, the authorities view autonomous freight vehicles as a strategic priority.
Pilot projects involving self-driving trucks are planned for 2027, and officials describe the transition of freight transport to autonomous systems as inevitable.
They argue that global technological trends are already shaping the future of logistics and that Kazakhstan must adapt accordingly.
This transition is closely linked to longer-term changes in vehicle technology.
According to projections cited by the transport authorities, between 2036 and 2040 heavy vehicles are expected to move away from internal combustion engines and operate on battery power.
These future trucks are envisaged as extended, autonomous road trains. As a result, new roads, which are designed for a service life of 40 to 50 years, are planned with embedded sensors and digital systems capable of supporting autonomous driving.
The regional dimension is also central to the project. The operation of autonomous freight vehicles across borders raises questions about customs procedures and control at checkpoints.
These issues are expected to be discussed within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, with a view to coordinating standards with neighbouring states.
Officials believe that launching large-scale pilot projects jointly with regional partners would significantly enhance Kazakhstan’s transit potential.
From an economic perspective, autonomous freight transport offers clear advantages.
Unlike conventional trucks, which are constrained by drivers’ working hours, driverless vehicles can operate continuously, reducing delivery times and improving efficiency along major transport corridors.
For Kazakhstan, which has invested heavily in logistics infrastructure, these gains are seen as strategically important.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of January, covering the latest developments you need to ...
More than 3,000 people have been killed in Iran’s nationwide protests, according to rights activists, as monitors reported a slight return of intern...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that allied supplies of air defence systems and missiles were insufficient as Russia prepares n...
Mongolia has introduced a new decree to strengthen traditional Mongolian medicine and expand its international profile....
Poland plans to expand its armed forces to 500,000 by 2039, including 300,000 active-duty troops and 200,000 reservists, officials said Friday. The en...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that allied supplies of air defence systems and missiles were insufficient as Russia prepares new large-scale attacks.
Poland plans to expand its armed forces to 500,000 by 2039, including 300,000 active-duty troops and 200,000 reservists, officials said Friday. The enlarged force would feature a new high-readiness reserve unit.
Kyiv is facing its most severe wartime energy crisis, with the capital receiving only about half the electricity it needs, Mayor Vitali Klitschko told Reuters on Friday.
White House announced on Friday the formation of a technocratic committee to oversee the transition of power in the Gaza Strip as part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the conflict in the territory.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
A railway power outage in Tokyo disrupted the morning commute for roughly 673,000 passengers on Friday (16 January) as two main lines with some of the world's busiest stations were halted after reports of a fire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on events in Venezuela and Iran.
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts splashed down safely early on Thursday (15 January) in the Pacific Ocean off California.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been formed.
The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 will be held in Astana from 22-24 April, bringing together Central Asian countries to strengthen regional dialogue on climate and environmental challenges.
Kazakhstan has begun recalibrating its oil export logistics amid ongoing restrictions affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a vital conduit for the country’s crude supplies to global markets.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has voiced its support for recent military operations by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy the support of the United States.
Uzbekistan plans to establish production facilities in Qatar as part of a strategy to expand exports and strengthen its presence in Gulf markets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment