A book about the history of the Astana locomotive depot has been published

06-01-2026

As part of the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of the Kazakhstan Railway and the Astana Locomotive Depot, the book "Stages of a Long Journey: The History and Fate of the Astana Locomotive Depot" was published.

The publication consists of two parts—"Yesterday - Today's History" and "Today - Tomorrow's History"—and is dedicated to the history of the establishment and development of the Astana Locomotive Depot from its inception to the present day. The book reflects the key stages of the depot's locomotive fleet and production activities, as well as the careers of several generations of railway workers.

The book was prepared by the depot's working group. The chairperson of the working group is Venera Kalmakhanova, HR and Labor Relations Manager.

The working group included Honorary Railway Worker and pensioner Dalabai Baigozhin, process engineers Amina Zhakudina and Leyla Dzhunusova, and designer Zhadyra Imanbaeva.

The book's concept was conceived by depot manager and Honorary Railway Worker Dulat Akhmadiyev.

The publication features archival materials, documentary sources, and the memoirs of industry veterans and current depot workers.

Separate sections are devoted to the first Akmola locomotive depot, the training of locomotive personnel, the Stakhanovite-Krivonosov movement of the 1930s and 1940s, the participation of depot workers in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, the depot's activities in the postwar period (1945–1950), and the participation of railway workers in the development of virgin and fallow lands.

The book also covers new stages in the development of rail transport, including electrification, the work of pioneering engineers at the Akmola and Tselinograd locomotive depots, the work of trade unions, the sports, cultural, and artistic life of the locomotive troupe, the activities of the "Nadezhda" depot choir, railway dynasties, and the first depot managers. A separate section is devoted to the revival of museum activities, as well as to locomotive crews who demonstrated high professionalism and heroism in the line of duty.

This publication is intended for railway industry employees, veterans, students of specialized educational institutions, and readers interested in the history of railway transport in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»