Uzbekistan Launches Construction of Paid Express Autobahns

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has launched the construction of paid high-speed highways, or “autobahns,” designed for fast vehicle travel.

Last week, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed presentations of four strategic projects: the Tashkent–Samarkand, Tashkent–Andijan, Tashkent–Charvak, and Urgench–Khiva routes. Construction of one section is expected to be completed in 2026, while work on the remaining projects is scheduled to begin the same year.

According to Asliddin Isaev, Director of the Avtoyo‘l Invest agency, the projects aim to strengthen the country’s export, tourism, and transit potential by forming an international transport corridor connecting Europe and Asia. The total length of the future autobahn network is expected to reach about 4,000 kilometers, linking key routes including Andijan with Kungrad, Tashkent with Termez, Samarkand with Shakhrisabz, and Alat with Sariosiyo.

Traffic volumes are already high on several routes. The Tashkent–Samarkand direction currently handles around 55,000–60,000 vehicles per day, routes toward the Fergana Valley see more than 40,000 vehicles daily, while the road to Urgench carries about 25,000 vehicles.

The Tashkent–Samarkand highway is considered one of the country’s largest strategic infrastructure projects. Once completed, travel time between the cities will be reduced to around 2–2.5 hours. Negotiations are underway with major international investors, including Chinese companies ranked among the world’s top 100. The highway will be fully digitalized, featuring 12 entry and exit terminals and an intelligent transport system operating around the clock. The route will begin in the Sergeli district of Tashkent, and the project may be commissioned in stages.

The Urgench–Khiva section will serve as a pilot project and a key tourism corridor. It is expected to be commissioned this year, reducing travel time by approximately 20 minutes.

The Tashkent–Andijan highway will stretch 314 kilometers. The first phase includes construction of the Tashkent–Angren–Kamchik section and a new 33-kilometer tunnel, one of the largest in Central Asia.

The road will allow speeds of up to 120–150 km/h, cutting travel time from 5.5 hours to around 2–2.5 hours. The project is being implemented with support from the World Bank and with the participation of international consultants from Arup. The highways will be designed to operate safely even in adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow.

Companies from France, Türkiye, and China have expressed interest in participating in the project. Design work is nearing completion, and construction is expected to begin in 2026.

The Tashkent–Charvak highway will have a length of 52 kilometers and is being implemented jointly with Protokol Group from Qatar and Korea Expressway Corporation, with the participation of international consulting firms.

Travel time on this route will be reduced from 80 minutes to 35 minutes, significantly easing tourist traffic and eliminating weekend congestion. The road is expected to be completed within three years.

These projects are expected to become an important part of Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure modernization, improving road safety, increasing travel speed, and supporting the development of tourism, exports, and international transit.