Uzbekistan will begin operating high-speed electric trains manufactured by Chinese company CRRC-Dalian between Khiva and Bukhara from September 9, according to UztemirYulovchi.
The five-car electric train has a capacity of 415 economy-class passengers. Train No. 707 will depart Khiva at 09:55 and arrive at Bukhara-1 at 14:32, with a journey time of about four hours and 37 minutes. The return service, train No. 706, will leave Bukhara at 15:45 and arrive in Khiva at 20:25. Services from Khiva to Bukhara will operate every day except Tuesdays, while trains in the opposite direction will run every day except Mondays. Tickets are priced at UZS 270,800 (over $20).
The same type of electric train will also begin operating between Bukhara and Tashkent from September 14. Services from Bukhara to Tashkent will run on Mondays, while trains in the opposite direction will operate on Tuesdays from September 15. Travel time between the two cities is expected to be approximately six hours.
The introduction of the new services will result in schedule changes for several existing passenger trains. Adjustments will affect the Tashkent-Yuzhny–Khiva route from September 8, Tashkent-Yuzhny–Shavat from September 10, Andijan–Kungrad from September 8, Dushanbe–Tashkent from September 15, Tashkent-Yuzhny–Khavast on Tuesdays from September 15, and Urgench–Nukus from September 9.
A similar Chinese CR200J electric train has previously been used on the Urgench–Khiva route. The train can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and accommodate around 400 passengers. It includes VIP, business and economy-class seating, as well as Wi-Fi, charging facilities, air conditioning and heating. The train is also equipped to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Another Chinese electric train arrived in Andijan on August 31 and is currently undergoing testing. Once introduced into regular operation, it is expected to reduce travel time between Tashkent and Andijan to three hours. Its exterior resembles the CR200J model.
