A batch of 29 drivers from the Central Asian republic of Kazakhstan recently qualified as light-rail drivers after finishing extensive training sessions in North China's port city of Tianjin.

Conducted by Tianjin Rail Transit, the three-month program provided customized technical solutions for drivers plying the light-rail line in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

Throughout the program, trainees engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that spanned vehicle inspections, static debugging, full-function simulator training and on-site observational internships.

The training culminated in nighttime practical driving exercises, ensuring that the participants became adept at subway vehicles equipment identification, handling emergency faults and operating the trains.

Recognizing Kazakhstan's challenging winter conditions, characterized by severe cold and heavy snow, the Tianjin teaching team integrated simulations of icy and snowy environments into the training. They also developed specialized courses on safe driving and emergency responses in such weather.

To support the trainees, instructors prepared original bilingual Chinese-Russian textbooks and employed a personalized learning approach. This included mentorship from experienced instructors, a master-apprentice model and one-on-one teaching sessions.

The Astana light rail line — a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative — marks Central Asia's first urban rail system and the region's inaugural rail transit project, built by Chinese constructors to Chinese standards with advanced unmanned technology.