Kazakhstan to open its roads to autonomous vehicles from 2026

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.

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