Kazakhstan expands women-only train carriages
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In 2021, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national rail operator, introduced women-only carriages on two routes following a 2018 sexual assault on a train. The project has since expanded to 14 routes, and as of January 2026, over 822,000 female passengers have used the service.
KTZ launched the initiative after two conductors raped a passenger traveling from Astana to Aktobe, leading to a legal case that resulted in five-year prison sentences for both men.
The women-only carriages allow boys aged seven and under to travel with adult women, and fares match those of standard carriages. Passengers like Raushan Otan, an art historian, appreciate the increased sense of safety and confidence the carriages provide during long journeys. Samira Olzhabekova, a student, says she would choose the service if available, while Valeria Kuznetsova, another student, finds it a genuinely good initiative for solo travelers.
While the service has proven popular, KTZ does not currently publish data comparing rates of harassment and violence before and after the introduction of the women-only carriages. Experts note that a segregated carriage is only one part of ensuring safety, and that comprehensive solutions require staff screening, effective policing, and clear reporting systems. Kazakhstan also recently strengthened its laws regarding violence against women and children in 2024.
