Uzbekistan Launches High-Speed Train Tashkent–Khiva

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A ceremony was held on 5 May at Tashkent Central Railway Station to launch the first passenger train “Jaloliddin Manguberdi,” produced by South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem. The new train will operate on the Tashkent–Khiva–Tashkent route, providing faster connectivity between the capital and one of the country’s key tourism destinations.

The event was attended by the leadership of Uzbekistan Railways, representatives of the Republic of Korea’s diplomatic mission, specialists from the manufacturing company, industry veterans, and media representatives.

Opening the ceremony, Hikmatulla Rakhmetov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways, said that modernization of railway infrastructure, improved passenger service quality, and the development of international transport links have become possible due to ongoing reforms. He noted that the launch of the new train marks another stage in the sector’s renewal.

Kutlimurat Sabirov, Chairman of the Republican Council of Railway Workers and Transport Builders Trade Union, highlighted the importance of the new route for domestic tourism development and thanked railway employees for their contribution. South Korea’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Won Do-yeon also emphasized successful bilateral cooperation and the role of Hyundai Rotem in modernizing rolling stock.

During the ceremony, it was noted that the launch of the high-speed train between Tashkent and Khiva is a significant achievement in the development of the country’s railway transport and a result of joint work between Uzbek and Korean specialists.

The new train will significantly reduce travel time. Previously, the journey between Tashkent and Khiva took around 14 hours; now the 1,220-kilometer distance will be covered in approximately 7.5 hours.

The train can reach speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. It is 175 meters long, consists of seven carriages, and can carry up to 389 passengers.

The composition is adapted to Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions and can operate in temperatures ranging from minus 40 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. It is also designed to withstand sandstorms, including conditions in the Kyzylkum Desert. The carriages are equipped with rotating seats, surveillance systems, and information screens displaying route and speed data.

Schedule of the Tashkent–Khiva–Tashkent “Jaloliddin Manguberdi” train:

Route: Tashkent – Khiva
Departure (Tashkent Central Station): 07:00
Arrival in Khiva: 14:31
Operating days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Route: Khiva – Tashkent
Departure (Khiva Station): 07:20
Arrival in Tashkent: 14:51
Operating days: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Start dates:
5 May — first departure from Tashkent
6 May — first departure from Khiva