On 24 August Uzbek TV broadcast a special programme to sum up President Islom Karimov’s visit to southern Qashqadaryo Region to open the new Toshguzor-Boysun-Qumqorgon railway line.

Delivering a congratulatory speech at the ceremony, the president noted that the railway line was of strategic significance, and that it would help create new jobs in the region.

"Calculations show that the launch of this line will require over 2,000-2,500 workers in order to organize the transportation of cargo and passengers and to render services, as well as to ensure traffic safety. Taking into account the development of small and private businesses, additional 3,000-4,000 jobs will be created at new enterprises and facilities the construction of which is planned," he said.

The president also said that this railway line would increase the country export and transit potential in the future. "Undoubtedly, this line will significantly increase export potential in the future and create an opportunity for Uzbekistan to directly access other states, above all, through the trans-Afghan railway corridor to the sea ports of the states in the Indian Ocean, South and South East Asia. Simultaneously, it will increase our country’s transit potential," he said.