Temirtau's restored trams have carried passengers on more than one million journeys. On November 2, 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev inspected the city's upgraded tram network in the Karaganda Region, travelling along Republic Avenue to the Inzhenernaya stop, according to the official Akorda website.
The President assessed the quality of the reconstruction and the readiness of the transport infrastructure for full operation. The tram system, restored by Qarmet JSC in 2024, has returned to regular service after extensive modernization, DKNews.kz reports.
30 kilometres of track restored and eight new trams purchased
The restoration project has significantly upgraded Temirtau's public transport infrastructure.
Across the city, 30 kilometres of tram tracks have been restored or replaced. Qarmet has also purchased eight modern trams, allowing services to operate regularly according to an established timetable.
The modernization includes an electronic fare payment system designed to make travel more convenient for passengers.
Employees and retirees of Qarmet are entitled to free tram travel, providing an additional transport benefit for current and former workers of the metallurgical company.
Since services resumed in 2024, the network has recorded more than one million passenger journeys. This figure reflects total trips rather than the number of individual passengers.
Why Temirtau's trams matter to the city
For Temirtau, the tram is more than a means of public transportation. It has long been associated with the city's industrial history and the generations of workers employed at its steelworks.
During his visit, Tokayev spoke with Qarmet management about the importance of restoring a transport system that residents had wanted to see operating again.
He emphasized that the company's response to public demand was an important part of broader efforts to improve living conditions in the city.
Tokayev calls the tram a link between generations
Speaking to Qarmet executives, the President connected the restoration of tram services with the city's wider transformation.
«Indeed, for Temirtau, the tram is a link between generations. It was right that residents called for the restoration of tram services and that you responded to their wishes. When you took over the steelworks, I stressed the need to improve Temirtau’s urban environment. The city had been neglected. Although much remains to be done, a start has been made. Temirtau’s residents now have access to natural gas. As far as I am aware, the mood is positive, as people see the improvements and express their appreciation. I understand that mood of the workforce has improved considerably. What matters most is that there are positive trends. We will certainly make the plant a symbol of progress, success and, I would even say, prosperity,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The President's remarks highlighted the relationship between industrial investment and the everyday living conditions of residents.
He also pointed to the introduction of natural gas in Temirtau and improvements in the working environment at the metallurgical enterprise.
Qarmet's role extends beyond steel production
Qarmet's involvement in restoring the tram system illustrates the company's role in maintaining infrastructure connected to Temirtau's industrial development.
The restoration of public transport is particularly relevant in a city where the steelworks has historically played a central role in employment and urban life.
For residents, the practical results include renewed tram services, modern rolling stock, electronic payments and a regular operating schedule.
For Qarmet employees and retirees, free travel adds a direct social benefit to the infrastructure investment.
What comes next for Temirtau?
The restored network is already operating, with eight new trams serving passengers along the upgraded tracks.
Tokayev's visit placed the transport project within a broader agenda of improving Temirtau's urban environment and modernizing its industrial base.
Although the President acknowledged that considerable work remains, he pointed to the restored tram network and access to natural gas as examples of progress.
The more than one million passenger journeys recorded since 2024 provide a measurable indication of how the renewed transport service is being used.
Earlier, we reported on potential German investment in Kazakhstan's metal processing and waste management industries, including discussions of cooperation with Qarmet and the modernization of its industrial operations in Temirtau.
