Era of Extensive Endeavors
Astana's Infrastructure Development: A Comprehensive Plan for 2024-2035
Astana, the fast-growing young capital of Kazakhstan, is set for a significant transformation as the government unveils a comprehensive infrastructure development plan. The revised General Plan of the city, spanning from 2024 to 2035, outlines the construction of new facilities, schools, kindergartens, and other infrastructure to revitalize the city.
The plan aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s administration's broader national infrastructure initiatives, valued at 40 trillion tenge, which covers sectors such as energy, transportation, water management, and digital technology. While specific dates for individual schools or kindergartens under the General Plan were not detailed, the overall vision extends through to 2035, marking it as the target year for full implementation and completion of major urban infrastructure in Astana.
Urban planners are guided by the principles of compactness, polycentricity, and territorial balance. By 2030, more than 1,300 new facilities are expected to appear in Astana. The main focus areas include education, healthcare, sports, commerce, and residential buildings.
By 2028, it is planned to construct 74 recreational objects and perform landscaping, reconstruction, and construction of 19 fire stations. Additionally, 29 sports facilities and 61 healthcare objects will be built. The city's urban landscape will also see the construction of 52 administrative buildings, 131 commercial objects, and 207 educational institutions.
The housing sector is not left behind. By 2035, the projected housing stock is 68 million 250 thousand sq.m. By 2028, it is planned to construct 705 housing fund objects. Each new stage of Astana's development has been influenced by renowned architects, designers, and builders from Kazakhstan and invited international specialists.
In terms of digital infrastructure, improvements are underway, including the integration of AI into government and smart city projects by late 2025. This complements physical infrastructure development in urban areas like Astana.
Moreover, the plan for compact urban development indicates that the largest number of objects will be built in 2026 - 402 objects (31% of the total). By 2028, it is planned to construct 401 objects, including 224 residential buildings, 52 educational institutions, 21 healthcare facilities, 52 commercial buildings, 16 administrative buildings, 9 sports facilities, 8 landscaping projects, 9 recreational facilities, 6 emergency service objects, 3 communal-industrial objects, and 1 for auto transport.
By 2035, it is planned to construct 138 new schools, 190 standalone kindergartens, and 17 Palace of Schoolchildren in Astana. These ambitious plans underscore the government's commitment to the city's growth and development.
The construction of the Ülken Nuclear Power Plant, starting in August 2025, and the integration of AI into government and smart city projects by late 2025, further reinforce the wider developmental timetable encompassed in the General Plan.
[1] Astana's General Plan 2035: Infrastructure Development (2024-2035) [2] Modernization of Energy and Utilities Sectors (2024–2029) [3] Digital Infrastructure Improvements in Astana (2024-2025)
Technology will be integrated into Astana's urban development, particularly in government and smart city projects by late 2025.The sports sector is among the main focus areas for new construction, with 29 sports facilities planned for construction by 2028 in Astana.
