Anti-Corruption Agency Finds Violations in Tashkent Bus Stop Upgrade

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan completed an investigation into the implementation of a project to modernize bus stops in Tashkent, which had previously generated significant public resonance. Following the review, the agency established that a substantial portion of the work is being performed in violation of approved deadlines and requirements.

According to the agency, the project is being implemented in accordance with Presidential Decree No. PP-111 of 2 February 2022 and the "Roadmap for creating an effective transport management system in Tashkent city," approved by Decree No. PP-368 of 4 December 2025.

The documents provide for modernizing 1,785 bus stops in the capital by leasing property complexes, land plots, and related objects to private investors through the E-auksion electronic trading platform. All expenses for reconstructing existing bus stops and building new shelters must be financed exclusively by the winner of the electronic auction.

In 2025–2026, electronic auctions were held to lease land plots under 266 existing bus stops and for the construction of another 230 social bus stops. Ewi Snacks LLC won the bidding, and corresponding lease agreements were signed with the company.

Under the project documentation, bus stop complexes must be equipped with glass structures, electronic displays showing bus schedules and arrival times, emergency call buttons for the "112" service, mobile phone charging devices, surveillance cameras, advertising structures, benches, and trash bins.

In addition, the project provides for creating a barrier-free environment through the installation of ramps and tactile paving for people with disabilities and citizens with reduced mobility, landscaping of the surrounding area, and, at select stops, the placement of 24-hour vending machines.

The average area of the land plot leased for a single bus stop is 7.1 square meters.

A separate agreement between the Tashkent city administration and Ewi Snacks LLC approved a phased schedule for the construction, equipping, and commissioning of the stops. The project is planned for full completion by the end of 2026.

The first stage provided for commissioning 120 bus stops in May–June 2026, including 60 reconstructed facilities and 60 new social stops.

The audit revealed that following the expiration of the set deadlines, construction and assembly work at many sites remains incomplete, and the equipment required by the project has not been fully installed.

Furthermore, acceptance certificates have not been issued for any of the 120 bus stops that were scheduled to be commissioned in the first stage.

In connection with the uncovered violations, the Anti-Corruption Agency directed the Tashkent city administration to ensure the timely and full execution of contractual obligations, as well as to strengthen oversight regarding the equipping of stops according to approved technical specifications and their commissioning.

The agency also recommended increasing competition in future electronic auctions by dividing objects into separate lots by districts or other territorial units. In the department's view, this approach would expand the pool of potential bidding participants. Responsible bodies were also advised to regularly inform the public about project progress.

The Anti-Corruption Agency emphasized that monitoring of the project's implementation will continue. Based on the audit results, measures will be taken in accordance with established legislation to eliminate identified shortcomings and ensure compliance with state and public interests.