Improving the Transport and Logistic Infrastructure of a City Using the Graph Theory Method: The Case of Astana, Kazakhstan

Abstract

The rapid growth of cities significantly impacts the development of transport and logistics infrastructure (TLI), creating substantial challenges for the transport network and quality of life. To enhance the efficiency and sustainability of TLI, various approaches, planning methods, and management strategies are employed at the city or agglomeration level. The objective of this study was to investigate, using graph theory and correlation analysis, the relationship between the polarity and logistic flow of the city’s meso-districts. Based on these findings, recommendations for the development of the city’s transport and logistics infrastructure were proposed. The logistic flow, influenced by social, economic, institutional, and environmental factors, plays a critical role in the planning and operation of transport and logistics infrastructure within each meso-district of the city. The determination of the polarity of meso-districts was conducted based on expert assessments by specialists, while the indicators of logistic flow were derived from the average values of statistical data for the period 2021–2023. The results demonstrated that a reduction in the polarity of meso-districts—characterized by multilateral connections between meso-districts and key indicators of logistic flows—can positively influence the quality and accessibility of the city’s transport and logistic infrastructure. This approach enables the identification of the most problematic meso-districts within the city, the mapping of logistic flow directions, and the determination of strategic development pathways for the city’s transport and logistics infrastructure (TLI). Furthermore, it was established that the polarity of the meso-district graph reflects the state of traffic congestion within the districts and its environmental impact. This correlation provides valuable insights into refining the planning and development of the city’s TLI, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system. This study contributed to the development of the city’s transport and logistics infrastructure by proposing a comprehensive model that enhances the understanding and strengthens the interconnections between meso-districts and urban logistics. The findings hold significant implications for urban planning, as they highlight the necessity of a detailed consideration of the role of meso-districts, as well as targeted investments in transport and logistics infrastructure to ensure its sustainable development in the future.