Astana Launches Smart City Initiative to Enhance Public Safety

Key Takeaways

Astana is investing 53 billion tenge (US$99 million) in its Smart City project to enhance safety and technology.
Advanced AI technologies will be implemented for traffic monitoring, security, and urban service integration.
The project aims to serve as a model for future smart city developments across Kazakhstan.

Astana’s Ambitious Smart City Initiative

Astana is pushing forward with its Smart City project, aimed at transforming the capital into one of the safest and most technologically advanced cities in the region. This initiative requires a substantial investment of 53 billion tenge (approximately US$99 million) and incorporates cutting-edge artificial intelligence to monitor traffic, bolster security, and unify city services under an integrated management system.

On August 26, the Public Council of Astana convened for an event titled “Astana. Smart City Starts Today,” gathering a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, IT experts, and residents. Surveys conducted via the Smart City app revealed that 85% of residents prioritize safety for children and schools, while 91% support centralized AI-driven video surveillance.

For the first time in Kazakhstan, Astana is utilizing PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) and VideoBrain technologies from Presight AI. These systems facilitate real-time data processing, automatic detection of traffic violations, and sophisticated video analytics. Currently, over 22,000 cameras are connected to the Astana Police Operations Management Center, with more than 1,200 systems already operational. Notably, 60% of the project is being executed by local IT companies, stimulating job creation and fostering technology transfer.

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry clarified that the Smart City project aims to improve safety and comfort for residents, enhance transportation efficiency, and bolster the city’s competitiveness. AI is already being used for a range of applications, including adaptive traffic light control, monitoring road conditions, and even early medical diagnostics. The initiative currently encompasses Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and other regional centers, with plans for expansion into district-level cities.

Although the Smart City project is not yet part of the national Safe City system, it complements existing security measures. Authorities intend to expand AI-driven surveillance and citizen services annually, reinforcing the importance of safety in residents’ lives. The success of Astana’s Smart City model is anticipated to serve as a blueprint for other major cities in Kazakhstan, aligning with the President’s directive for nationwide scaling.

Maksat Koshumbayev, regional director of Presight AI Kazakhstan, emphasized the technological advancements driving the project. A key component of the initiative will be a high-tech Situation Center dedicated to supporting rapid decision-making through real-time data analysis. A new Data Processing Center is being built to function as a secure hub, ensuring stable operations and adherence to information security standards.

Koshumbayev also stressed the importance of integrating previously isolated city systems into a cohesive digital ecosystem. “Our goal is to consolidate operational data into a single environment. This unified approach will maximize the efficiency of the government’s supercomputer, which is capable of processing vast volumes of data efficiently,” he remarked.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.