Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriyev, met with Kwak Chol-Hoon, the head of Hyundai Rotem's Global Rail Group on October 11, to discuss the localization of electric train production in Uzbekistan. This development is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s rail infrastructure, with Hyundai Rotem planning to produce electric trains for domestic use.
The meeting featured a presentation by South Korea's Korail, which operates electric trains currently in use in Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on plans to localize the production of these trains at the Tashkent Passenger Car Construction and Repair Plant. The technical characteristics of the proposed trains were shared, and both parties agreed to further explore production opportunities and assess project feasibility.
Hyundai Rotem's involvement in Uzbekistan's rail sector follows negotiations dating back to 2018. In 2023, Uzbekistan Railways announced plans to purchase high-speed trains from Korea, valued at €185mn, to serve the Tashkent-Khiva route.
The financing is being supported by the South Korea Economic Development Fund (EDCF) and Eximbank of Korea, following agreements signed during South Korean President Yoon Seok-Yeol’s visit to Uzbekistan in June 2023.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the feasibility study for the purchase in August, marking a step toward enhancing the country’s rail network with modern, high-speed trains. The repayment of loans will be handled by Temiryulekspress, Uzbekistan's railway company, with a 35-year return plan in place.
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