Uzbekistan and Arsenale Launch Luxury Tourism Train Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and the meeting of the Council of Foreign Investors, Uzbekistan Railways and the Italian company Arsenale S.p.A. signed a package of strategic agreements marking the launch of the practical phase of one of the region’s most ambitious tourism projects.

The project concerns the launch of the luxury tourist train “Samarkand Express,” which will be Arsenale’s first initiative in Asia and will allow travelers to explore Uzbekistan’s historical heritage along the Silk Road route. The new railway route will connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

The signing of the documents marked a key stage in the project’s implementation, moving previous agreements into a practical phase. The parties had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Heads of Terms, and have now established a full contractual framework for the launch and operation of the tourist train.

The agreements were signed with the participation of Hikmatulla Rakhmetov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways, Raffaele Breschi, CEO of Arsenale International, and Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Foundation for Development of Culture and Arts under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A key element of the new structure is a framework agreement on project coordination between Arsenale, Uzbekistan Railways, and the Foundation for Development of Culture and Arts. The document defines governance mechanisms and confirms institutional support from the state and the national railway operator.

In addition, two service agreements were signed to ensure the operational functioning of the future tourist train. The first agreement with Temiryulinfra provides access to railway infrastructure and traction services. The second agreement with Uztemiryulyulovchi regulates technical maintenance of rolling stock and related services.

Experts say the project marks a transition in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector toward the development of high-quality tourism products targeting the international premium travel market.

The involvement of the Foundation for Development of Culture and Arts highlights the cultural dimension of the initiative, aimed at promoting Uzbekistan’s historical heritage and strengthening international cultural cooperation.

The Samarkand Express will showcase Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage to international visitors along a route covering Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, including UNESCO-listed historic sites.

The launch of the luxury tourist train is expected to contribute to the development of cultural tourism, enhance Uzbekistan’s global tourism appeal, and strengthen its position as a key destination in Central Asia.