Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — On 27 May, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with a detailed plan outlining measures to advance the country's railway industry.
In line with the presidential decree issued on 10 October 2023, comprehensive reforms are underway in the railway sector. Uzbekistan Railways (Uzbekiston Temir Yullari) has undergone significant structural transformation, including the reduction of non-core assets, optimization of adjacent land use, and streamlining of redundant functions. As a result, the formerly loss-making company reported a net profit of 47 billion soums last year. The establishment of the subsidiary Temiryolkargo has also doubled the efficiency of freight wagon operations.
However, the sector's full potential remains untapped. During the presentation, priority objectives were outlined to enhance infrastructure and increase railway transport revenues.
A key focus was the underutilized potential for transit freight traffic. Plans are in place to boost such traffic by 40% in the coming years, which could potentially double sector revenues. Notably, freight trains have begun operating on the China–Türkiye route, with the number of journeys steadily increasing and new railcars being delivered. To support this growth, phased expansion of rail infrastructure capacity was emphasized.
Particular attention was given to bottlenecks in the suburbs of Tashkent, where approximately 70% of external cargo traffic passes through the Chukursoy station. This congestion leads to multi-day delays, increased costs, and long queues. To address this, it was proposed to relocate cargo stations outside the capital and develop major logistics hubs in the Yangiyul district and near the future city of New Tashkent. Additionally, a bypass rail line from Ozodlik to Gulistan is planned, which will allow cargo traffic to double without entering Tashkent.
Among the new infrastructure projects is the construction of a 54-kilometer Samarkand–Urgut railway line. Seven kilometers have already been laid, and plans include two passenger terminals and two freight stations within the Urgut Free Economic Zone.
The presentation also addressed improving access to stations, enhancing service quality, ensuring greater comfort for passengers and tourists, and expanding parking facilities.
Additional reports highlighted upcoming procurement of modern electric trains and broader improvements to railway services across the country.
