Surkhandarya Governor Criticizes Region’s Transport System

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Surkhandarya Region Governor Ulugbek Kosimov criticized the region’s transport system, the condition of road and railway infrastructure, and high passenger fares.

The regional administration’s Telegram channel published a video of the governor speaking during a visit to Jarkurgan District the previous day.

Speaking about the condition of the M-39 highway connecting Surkhandarya Region with Tashkent, Kosimov said complaints from motorists and bus drivers were justified.

“After Baysun, it is impossible to drive. Taxi drivers complain. Bus drivers complain,” the governor said.

He also criticized conditions for railway passengers. According to him, trains traveling to Tashkent lack basic amenities, including cooling systems. The regional governor also raised concerns about ticket sales and services at railway stations.

Kosimov separately addressed the suburban train operating on the Termez-Sariosiyo route. He said passengers could not be transported under the existing conditions and called for measures to improve the service.

“Passengers pay for services, and services must be provided at an appropriate quality,” Kosimov said, addressing the regional transport authorities and prosecutor’s office.

Kosimov also criticized high airfares. He instructed the regional department of the Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection to review how ticket prices are determined.

The governor ordered the carriages of trains traveling to Tashkent and Sariosiyo to be equipped within a week and the necessary conditions for passengers to be created.

Kosimov paid particular attention to conditions at railway stations. He said passengers arriving in Sariosiyo should not have to wait outside in hot weather when a waiting hall is available.

Kosimov also ordered a full inspection of airports, including toilets and waiting halls.

“Why should people arriving in Sariosiyo sit outside in the heat? What was the hall built for? Nobody transports people for free. They buy tickets, right? Then they must be provided with service,” he said.

The governor also stressed the need to improve the quality of work by transport sector staff. According to him, passenger services should be organized properly.

In addition, Kosimov called for transparency in the ticket sales system, saying tickets should not be distributed through personal connections and artificial barriers for passengers should be eliminated. He also called for reasonable fares.

At the beginning of next week, the Surkhandarya governor plans to personally inspect the condition of the train carriages.