On November 5, 2024, the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) at Nazarbayev University visited the first station of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT), recently completed near the airport. This exclusive field trip offered students and faculty a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into one of Astana's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
The visit was organized in collaboration with the China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau, following the 2024 Workshop on Sustainable Energy and Materials Systems (SEMS), hosted by SEDS professors on October 22. Participants explored the intricacies of large-scale infrastructure development, highlighting the critical role of interdisciplinary expertise in engineering.
Executive directors Mr. Lin Liguang and Mr. Ji Chenglong supported the event by facilitating access to the site. The SEDS delegation was notably the first group to tour the newly completed station following Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s recent inspection, underscoring the project’s importance for Astana’s transportation infrastructure.
The visit emphasized the pivotal role engineering plays in shaping urban landscapes, integrating disciplines such as materials science, design, construction management, and environmental sustainability—all of which are central to the SEDS curriculum.
SEDS Associate Professor Yanwei Wang, the main organizer of the event, remarked:
“Projects like the Astana LRT exemplify how engineering can transform cities and enhance connectivity. Witnessing such innovation up close inspires our students to envision their role in shaping the future. We are grateful to our partners at CSCEC for this opportunity and look forward to continued collaboration.”
He also encouraged students interested in exploring internship opportunities with the China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau to take advantage of this connection.