Almaty's latest strategic plan to be endorsed in the initial months of the upcoming year
The Government has approved a comprehensive plan for the development of the Almaty agglomeration, which includes the city of Almaty and five other cities, as well as 50 rural districts in the Almaty region. This ambitious project, set to be completed by the end of this year, aims to transform the region into a multifunctional area with a competitive economy and high quality of life.
Almaty, often referred to as a 'megalopolis', is planned to become a "city without outskirts," with a focus on expanding residential areas, incorporating modern infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning. The nearby development of Alatau City, an IT-economic zone, is a significant part of this plan, designed to foster technological innovation and business growth.
The Almaty agglomeration development plan primarily addresses the problems of social and economic development of the metropolis and parts of the Almaty region. The project includes 106 events totalling over one trillion tenge. Seven development vectors are planned, including improving the unified transport and logistics complex of the suburban zone, comprehensive development of engineering infrastructure, and addressing social issues.
Significant transportation infrastructure upgrades are part of the plan. The expansion and modernization of the Almaty airport, with a new terminal opened in 2021, is a notable development. The World Bank’s Green Corridor Planner Guidelines emphasize creating green corridors to support landscape restoration and climate resilience, indirectly benefiting transportation networks by promoting environmentally friendly transit and urban green spaces.
The Alatau City IT-economic zone is a core production and innovation facility planned for the agglomeration. This zone aims to nurture high-tech industries, attract investors with special preferences, and diversify the economic base beyond traditional industries.
While specific social program details for Almaty agglomeration are limited, parallels from nearby cities show an emphasis on expanding social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, children’s playgrounds, sports infrastructure, and urban beautification—all likely relevant to Almaty’s urban plans for improving residents’ quality of life.
The implementation of the Almaty agglomeration development plan is expected to provide a powerful impetus for the development of residential construction, transportation, tourism, and opening of new production facilities. The new general plan for Almaty is expected to be approved in the first half of the new year.
[1] [Source] [2] [Source] [3] [Source]
- The home-and-garden sector may see improvements in Almaty, as the government's development plan for the Almaty agglomeration includes the comprehensive development of engineering infrastructure and urban planning.
- Despite limited specifics, the focus on expanding social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and urban beautification in nearby cities suggests an emphasis on improving lifestyle in the Almaty agglomeration, potentially including aspects of general-news and politics, as the region strives for a high quality of life.