Mirziyoyev Reviews E-Buses, Tunnel in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Samarkand to review the operation of modern electric buses introduced into the city’s public transport system, as well as a newly installed charging station.

The visit follows ongoing reforms under the 2023 presidential decree aimed at improving public transport services and expanding route networks across the country. Particular emphasis has been placed on modernizing bus fleets and introducing environmentally friendly transport solutions.

At the initial stage, 100 electric buses produced by Yutong were delivered to Samarkand at a total cost of US$49 million. Each bus provides 30 seats and can carry up to 75 passengers. A dedicated depot covering nearly four hectares has been established, equipped with a charging station capable of servicing up to 50 vehicles simultaneously.

The facility also includes a covered parking area with mobile equipment for maintenance and repairs. The electric buses currently operate on nine routes, transporting around 70,000 passengers ежедневно.

As part of the second phase, authorities plan to procure an additional 250 electric buses with US$120 million in financing привлечённого от European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The expansion is expected to reduce daily fuel consumption by 32,000 liters and cut harmful emissions by 27 tons. Employment at the depot currently stands at 265 people and is projected to exceed 500 following the new deliveries.

The president stressed the importance of training specialists to service electric buses to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Digital solutions for managing urban transport operations were also presented during the visit.

Mirziyoyev additionally inspected a newly constructed tunnel at the intersection of Gagarin and Rudaki streets. The 600-meter facility, built at a cost of US$12 million, has the capacity to handle up to 50,000 vehicles per day.

The project includes electronically controlled street lighting, an underground pedestrian crossing, landscaping, and the planting of decorative trees. Construction was carried out in cooperation with Chinese and Turkish companies using modern drilling and support technologies without disrupting traffic flow.