“Public transport should be given all-round priority, and cars should become a luxury," - President Mirziyoyev

In a video conference meeting addressing the key priorities for 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed serious concerns over the escalating traffic issues in Tashkent on January 29, labeling it a problem that demands immediate attention, the president's press service reported.

Reports presented during the meeting revealed that several streets in Tashkent witness an average traffic index ranging between 7-9 points on weekdays, occasionally spiking to 10. Some thoroughfares experience traffic levels twice the standard, resulting in a doubling of travel time, especially during rush hours.

Taking cognizance of the gravity of the situation, Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov, along with representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Tashkent city administration, received a presidential mandate to develop comprehensive proposals addressing the pressing issue of traffic jams. These proposals, expected to be formulated with a systematic approach, are slated to be presented directly to the president.

President Mirziyoyev proposed a "City of Pedestrians" as an approach to address traffic challenges. He urged leaders in urban planning and road traffic to adopt this motto as their guiding principle. In this paradigm shift, the president emphasized the comprehensive prioritization of public transport, envisioning a scenario where private cars transition from a common means of transportation to a luxury.

"Public transport should be given all-round priority, and cars should become a luxury," President Mirziyoyev declared, signaling a paradigm shift in the city's transportation strategy. 

The objective is to reduce reliance on private vehicles, easing the strain on roads, and creating a more pedestrian-friendly urban landscape.

This directive aligns with a broader vision for a sustainable and efficient transportation system in Tashkent. The proposed measures aim to not only alleviate current traffic congestion but also lay the groundwork for a future where the city's infrastructure prioritizes pedestrians and public transport.

During the first half of 2023, the nation experienced a staggering 4,000 car accidents, leading to a tragic toll of 873 fatalities and more than 3,500 injuries. Alarmingly, almost half of these accidents—48%—were attributed to deficiencies in road infrastructure. Furthermore, in 2023, 1,859 incidents involving pedestrians unfolded due to the absence of essential conditions, resulting in the loss of 334 lives.

Earlier President Mirziyoyev also tackled crucial matters within the housing and construction domain in the course of the meeting. A significant result of the gathering was the determination to assign deputies with oversight over construction and communal management for the mayors of both Tashkent City and Tashkent region. The primary focus of this year's agenda centers on the establishment of 1,637 infrastructure facilities, as detailed in the all-encompassing investment program.

Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.