Kazakhstan Ranks 44th Globally in Traffic Congestion Index – The Astana Times

Report on Urban Mobility in Kazakhstan: An Analysis through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals (January-June 2025)

1.0 Overview of National Performance

In the Numbeo Global Traffic Index for the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan ranked 44th out of 89 countries, with a composite traffic index score of 136.3. This ranking indicates significant challenges in urban mobility, directly impacting the nation’s progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). A higher score in this index reflects greater traffic congestion and lower transport system efficiency.

2.0 Key Indicators and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The composite index reveals specific areas of concern that are critical to achieving sustainable urban development.

• Commute Time: The average one-way commute time is 35.8 minutes. This metric is a critical indicator for SDG 11.2, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems. Prolonged travel times suggest inefficiencies that undermine this goal.
• Inefficiency Index: With a score of 141.3, the index points to a high reliance on private vehicles over public transportation. This trend works against the principles of SDG 11 by increasing road congestion and energy consumption.
• CO₂ Emission Index: The recorded emission of 3,942.5 grams of CO₂ per person per daily commute presents a major obstacle to achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11.6 (reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities). These emissions contribute directly to air pollution and climate change, impacting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

3.0 City-Specific Analysis: Astana and Almaty

An examination of Kazakhstan’s major urban centers highlights varying degrees of progress towards creating sustainable cities as outlined in SDG 11.

3.1 Astana

• Global Rank: 197th out of 335 cities.
• Traffic Index Score: 128.3.
• Average Commute: 34.3 minutes.
• CO₂ Emissions per Commuter: 3,958.7 grams.
• SDG Implication: While showing more moderate congestion compared to Almaty, Astana’s CO₂ emissions remain a significant concern for meeting urban environmental targets under SDG 11.6.

3.2 Almaty

• Global Rank: 117th out of 335 cities.
• Traffic Index Score: 154.6.
• Average Commute: 39.4 minutes.
• CO₂ Emissions per Commuter: 4,093.4 grams.
• SDG Implication: Almaty’s higher congestion and emission levels indicate more acute challenges in aligning with SDG 11 and SDG 13. The longer commute times and higher pollution directly impact the quality of life and sustainability of the urban environment.

4.0 Global and Regional Benchmarking

Kazakhstan’s performance in urban mobility can be contextualized through comparison with other nations.

4.1 Nations with Superior Performance

The following countries demonstrate more effective traffic management, aligning more closely with sustainable transport goals:

1. Estonia
2. Austria
3. Finland

4.2 Regional Comparison

Within the region, Kazakhstan’s traffic conditions are less severe than some neighbors but lag behind others, indicating varied progress on sustainable transport infrastructure.

• More Severe Congestion: Russia (19th), Azerbaijan (27th), Ukraine (37th).
• Less Severe Congestion: Belarus (63rd), Armenia (71st).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on traffic congestion in Kazakhstan connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting issues related to urban living, environmental impact, and public health. The following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s focus on CO₂ emissions from daily commutes directly relates to air quality, which is a critical determinant of public health.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most central SDG, as the article discusses urban traffic, commute times, and the overall inefficiency of transportation systems in major cities like Almaty and Astana.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The explicit measurement of CO₂ emissions, a primary greenhouse gas, links the issue of traffic congestion directly to climate change and the need for climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the data and issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The article’s mention of high “CO₂ Emission Index” (3,942.5 grams per person) implies poor air quality from vehicle exhaust, which contributes to respiratory illnesses and other health problems addressed by this target.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The article highlights challenges to this target by reporting a long “average one-way commute time” of 35.8 minutes and a high “inefficiency index” of 141.3, which indicates a preference for private cars over public transport, signaling an inefficient and less sustainable urban transport system.
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality. The article provides direct data on this by measuring CO₂ emissions per commuter in Astana (3,958.7 grams) and Almaty (4,093.4 grams), quantifying the negative environmental footprint of urban transport.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The data on CO₂ emissions from transport is a critical piece of information for policymakers to develop strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby integrating climate action into urban and national planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article explicitly provides several quantitative indicators from the Numbeo Global Traffic Index that can be used to measure progress:

• Average Commute Time: The article states Kazakhstan’s average one-way commute is “35.8 minutes,” with specific times for Astana (34.3 minutes) and Almaty (39.4 minutes). This serves as a direct indicator for Target 11.2, measuring the efficiency and accessibility of the transport system. A reduction in this time would indicate progress.
• CO₂ Emission Index: The measurement of “CO₂ Emission Index at 3,942.5 grams per person per daily commute” for the country, and specific figures for its cities, is a direct indicator for Targets 11.6 and 13.2. It can also serve as a proxy indicator for Target 3.9, as CO₂ emissions are linked to other harmful air pollutants from vehicles. Tracking this figure over time would measure progress in reducing the environmental and health impacts of urban transport.
• Inefficiency Index: The “inefficiency index stood at 141.3,” which reflects a reliance on private cars. This is an implied indicator for Target 11.2, as a lower score would suggest a shift towards more efficient and sustainable public transportation systems.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: astanatimes.com