KTZ presented modern approaches to visualizing fire safety for railway infrastructure

10-11-2026

Almaty hosted the international scientific and practical symposium titled "Predictive Design of Object Fire Safety: Current Challenges and Systemic Solutions." The event was organized by the National Association of Designers of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Bakhytzhan Dilimbetov, Acting Director of the Department for Emergency Situations at the branch of JSC "NC "KTZ" – "Multifunctional Service Center," presented KTZ's approaches to ensuring fire safety in the design, construction, and modernization of railway infrastructure facilities and rolling stock.

In his report, he emphasized that fire safety requirements must be taken into account at all stages of the life cycle of objects—from design to operation and renewal. Special attention is paid to stations, terminals, depots, traction substations, signaling and communication facilities, as well as rolling stock. Fires at such facilities pose risks not only to passengers and workers but also to the uninterrupted movement of trains, cargo delivery, and the operation of railway sections.

When designing and modernizing, it is crucial to consider the technical condition of equipment, the degree of infrastructure wear, the human factor, and operational loads. Key measures include the implementation of early fire detection systems, automatic fire suppression, alarms, and evacuation management.

Separately, the fire safety requirements for modern rolling stock were discussed. When assessing risks in passenger cars and locomotives, their design features, materials used, and electrical equipment must be taken into account. During modernization, it is important to ensure not only the upgrading of individual systems but also their coordinated operation.

Among the promising solutions, Bakhytzhan Dilimbetov noted the use of digital twins, intelligent monitoring systems, automated diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to predict malfunctions. The use of these technologies will make it possible to identify potential threats in advance and shift from scheduled inspections to predictive maintenance.

Following the presentation, it was noted that fire safety must be an integral part of the management system of the railway industry. This approach is aimed at increasing infrastructure reliability, protecting human life and health, and ensuring the sustainability of the transportation process.

A historical theme occupied a special place in the symposium program. Professor Ruslan Dzhumagaliev presented KTZ with an author's portrait dedicated to the courage and selflessness of firefighters who participated in extinguishing a major fire at the Almaty-2 station on May 20, 1989.

The tragedy claimed the lives of nine fire department workers, and many people were injured, including 39 children. The painting will become part of the exposition of the Central Museum of KTZ and will serve as a reminder of the heroic deed of those who fought the fire at the cost of their own lives.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»