Tashkent Region Approves BRT Line Project to Capital

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Tashkent Regional Council of People’s Deputies approved the concept for a major transportation project on 24 March, which envisions the creation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system connecting Nurafshan and Tashkent’s Bektemir district, along with the reconstruction of the Tashkent–Nurafshan highway.

The project is initiated by the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan and is implemented under a presidential decree dated 11 February 2025, aimed at improving mechanisms for preparing and executing projects with participation from international financial institutions.

The plan provides for a comprehensive modernization of a 23-kilometer transport corridor, of which 19.2 kilometers will be reconstructed. The existing road will be transformed into a modern first-class highway, expanding to 6–10 lanes depending on the section.

A key element of the project is the BRT system, featuring high-speed buses operating on dedicated lanes physically separated from general traffic. The project includes nine enclosed, climate-controlled stations and an intelligent transport system with “smart” intersections, video surveillance, and automated traffic management.

Additional construction includes two interchanges, five bridges, and nine underground pedestrian crossings equipped with ramps and elevators.

The project is expected to reduce travel time between Tashkent and Nurafshan from the current 50–60 minutes to 30 minutes, with average speeds increasing to 60 kilometers per hour. The BRT system’s capacity will exceed 50,000 passengers per day.

Developers estimate the project will significantly impact the development of a region with more than 150,000 residents, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and decrease the number of traffic accidents.

The preliminary project cost is estimated at US$119.6 million, with financing planned from international financial institutions and Uzbekistan’s state budget. Implementation will occur in phases: 2026 will focus on feasibility studies and partner approvals, with construction taking place in 2027–2028. The system is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2028.

Oversight of the project’s execution will be the responsibility of the council’s relevant commissions and the regional deputy governor.