Children's railway in Karaganda, narrow gauge railway line in Karagandy, Kazakhstan
The children's railway in Karaganda is a small train line running on narrow-gauge tracks through the Central Park and adjacent residential areas. The roughly 5-kilometer route features simple stations and operates with a TU2-111 diesel locomotive pulling three passenger cars styled like vintage trains.
The railway was built in 1956 and opened on May 1, 1957, as part of a Soviet movement to teach children about railways and technical skills. After difficulties in the 1990s and closure in 2001, it reopened in 2004 and again in 2008 following restoration efforts.
The name reflects its original purpose as a learning place where children worked during summer breaks in shifts at stations and on trains. The station names date back to the Soviet era and remain part of the local identity and memories of families in Karaganda.
The railway is easily accessible located in Central Park near the city center, with walking paths and seating areas near the tracks. Operations focus on warmer months, and the whole setting offers a relaxed pace where visitors can enjoy a gentle rhythm without rush or noise.
The TU2-111 locomotive came from another children's railway elsewhere and was relocated here, showing connections between Soviet-era facilities across different locations. Some older visitors recognize the engine from their own childhood in another city, adding emotional depth to rides on this train.
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