President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed key plans for the transformation of Uzbekistan’s railway sector during a presentation held on May 27, stressing the country’s commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure and unlocking economic potential through improved logistics.
Following the presidential resolution issued on October 10, 2023, the national railway company “Uzbekistan Railways” has undergone significant reforms. These include structural reorganization, downsizing of redundant facilities, and streamlining of non-essential operations. The reforms have already yielded positive results — for the first time in years, the company reported a net profit of UZS 47bn (3.6mn) last year.
A notable achievement has been the establishment of the freight operator “Temiryo‘lkargo,” which has doubled the efficiency of freight wagon usage. However, officials noted that the sector still has untapped opportunities, particularly in transit cargo transportation.
According to the presentation, transit cargo capacity remains underutilized. Increasing it by 40% over the next few years could potentially double sector revenues. One recent milestone was the launch of freight trains operating on the China–Turkey route, signaling growing international transit potential. To support such developments, it is vital to expand railway infrastructure capacity, especially around the Tashkent area.
Currently, 70% of external cargo moves through the heavily burdened Chukursoy station in Tashkent, often resulting in delays and logistical bottlenecks. To address this, authorities propose relocating cargo hubs outside the capital. Plans include constructing large freight stations near Yangiyul district and New Tashkent and building a new bypass line — “Ozodlik–Yangiyer” — that will enable cargo trains traveling between the Fergana Valley and other regions to avoid entering Tashkent.
Another key project under development is the new Samarkand–Urgut railway line. Construction has already begun on 7 kilometers of the planned 54-kilometer route. The project will include two railway and two freight stations in the Urgut economic zone, aimed at boosting regional trade and connectivity.
Beyond freight, the meeting also addressed passenger services. Improvements in station access, amenities for tourists, and the expansion of parking facilities are on the agenda. The introduction of electric trains and enhancements in service quality are also planned to offer a more modern and efficient travel experience.
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