Tashkent Metro to Receive US$84.3 Million in State Funding

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at the further development of the Tashkent Metro, including financing, institutional reform, and infrastructure expansion. The relevant decree was published on the government legal portal Lex.uz.

The document sets development targets for the capital’s metro system through 2030, including increasing daily passenger flow to 1.8 million people, expanding the network to 79 stations, and extending total track length to 103 kilometers.

To achieve these goals, the reforms provide for the attraction of private investment and strengthening of the system’s financial sustainability.

The state unitary enterprise “Tashkent Metro” will be transformed into a joint-stock company fully owned by the state through the Ministry of Transport. In addition, a separate engineering structure will be created to act as a unified project implementation authority.

As part of governance reforms, corporate oversight will be strengthened. Within three months, at least half of the supervisory board must consist of independent members. A first deputy head responsible for finance and transformation with international experience will also be appointed.

The financial package includes $84.3 million allocated from the Reconstruction and Development Fund. The funds will be provided in stages based on company requests, with a repayment period of up to 10 years, a three-year grace period, and an annual interest rate of 5%.

A separate set of measures focuses on increasing non-budget revenues for the metro. By the end of 2028, advertising spaces, including screens inside trains, are planned to be leased to private companies, while all revenues will remain with the metro operator. The plan also includes vending machines, small retail outlets, and commercial spaces at stations.

Additional revenue streams are expected through the implementation of a Park & Ride system at parking facilities near stations, along with fare discounts for users of these services.

Technical modernization efforts include proposals to update rolling stock and exempt necessary equipment from import duties. A new fare model based on distance traveled is also being developed, along with subscription-based ticket options.

The metro operator, together with relevant agencies, has been instructed to improve conditions for foreign tourists and prepare a development strategy through 2035, which envisions significant expansion of the network, increased passenger capacity, improved efficiency, and enhanced environmental sustainability.