Škoda Group to Supply Ten Electric Trains to Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Škoda Group has signed an agreement to supply ten new electric trains for Uzbekistan.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš. The contract also includes plans to establish a joint venture, localize production, organize maintenance services, and launch a Škoda Academy.

The agreement follows the official announcement of the contract award by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The total project value is estimated at more than three billion Czech koruna, or around €120 million.

Škoda Group views the deal as an important step in expanding its presence in Central Asia. The company noted that in 2023 it had previously announced a contract to supply 30 units to Uzbekistan, although that project was not implemented.

According to Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný, the project is the result of long-term cooperation between the government institutions of Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic, as well as collaboration with Uzbekistan Railways. He stated that Uzbekistan is pursuing large-scale modernization of its transport infrastructure and that the company is ready to provide technological solutions and long-term partnership in sustainable mobility.

The delivery includes ten next-generation electric trains designed for the 1520 mm gauge. They are based on platforms previously supplied to Latvia and Estonia.

The project also foresees the establishment of Škoda Group service units in Uzbekistan. A gradual transfer of maintenance and repair expertise is planned, enabling local specialists to independently operate rolling stock in the future. This is expected to support industrial development and create new jobs.

The initiative has received support from the Government of the Czech Republic, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Investment Bank, and the export agency EGAP. The project has been designated a flagship initiative under the Global Gateway program.

Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region, with a population exceeding 70 million, are seen as a promising market for transport infrastructure development. The project is also linked to the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, which aims to connect Europe and Asia and become a key international logistics route.