Mirziyoyev reviews Urgench-Khiva toll road

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the new toll road linking Urgench and Khiva after an open dialogue with entrepreneurs in Khiva. The 35-km highway connects Urgench airport with Khiva and is expected to reduce travel time between the cities by about three times, the Uzbek presidential press service said.

The new four-lane road will reduce travel time from the current 45–50 minutes to 15–17 minutes. Its capacity exceeds 30,000 vehicles per day.

The project includes one underground tunnel, eight overpasses, 15 bridges and 106 culverts.

Service and other facilities meeting international standards are also planned along the highway.

Traffic flow and the payment system will be managed using digital solutions based on artificial intelligence. Cars, trucks and buses will be able to pay electronically and automatically for passage without stopping.

A specially modified bitumen mixture resistant to the effects of the hot climate was used in the road surface. The total thickness of the pavement is 87 cm.

The development of toll roads received a legal basis following the adoption on 5 August of a new version of Uzbekistan's Law “On Automobile Roads”. One of the mandatory conditions for introducing toll travel is the availability of an alternative free road for drivers.

The new highway is expected to improve the safety, speed and convenience of transport between Urgench and Khiva and contribute to further development of the region's road infrastructure.

After reviewing the project, Mirziyoyev concluded his working visit to Khorezm region and departed for Tashkent.