Tashkent Master Plan to Be Regularly Updated, Officials Say

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Changes to Tashkent’s general plan will continue to be made regularly, reflecting the city’s growth and evolving economic and technological conditions, officials said during a press conference on March 5.

Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Urban Development and Housing Market, Sherzod Kudbiyev, emphasized that the general plan is a living document that requires continuous adjustment. “Major global cities also revise their master plans regularly,” he noted.

The revisions are driven by urban development, economic shifts, and the introduction of new technologies, aiming to enhance residents’ social and economic well-being. Consultations were conducted with experts, urban planners, and academic institutions, though officials acknowledged that public awareness of these discussions could have been broader.

Key updates include parameters for comprehensive development of large areas, specifying ratios between building heights and plot sizes, as well as density limits. Green zones are to occupy at least 30% of land, approximately 30% can be used for construction, and the remainder will be allocated to social infrastructure.

Kudbiyev cited the Tashkent City project as an example of integrated development, combining high-rise buildings, public spaces, work zones, and green areas. He stressed that building height is not the primary metric—density is key. Alternative planning options allow for taller buildings with reduced overall density, freeing space for parks and green zones, consistent with global practices and the “15-minute city” concept.

The plan opens roughly 2,000 hectares for city expansion, sufficient for around 15 years of development. Projects like the Oqilion neighborhood may take 10–15 years to complete, involving master planning, resident consultations, investor coordination, and phased construction.

Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing-Communal Services, Davronjon Adilov, clarified that the general plan sets density and infrastructure parameters, while building heights are determined later during detailed planning stages. Misunderstandings often arise when height is confused with density.

Recently, the government updated the master plan to support 31 major investment projects worth $16.2 billion, covering 2,311 hectares for residential, hotel, business, and industrial development. Developers must allocate at least 30% of land to green areas, with 140 hectares designated for public parks. Authorities are also considering revising the urban renewal law to balance public interests with individual property rights.