Traffic congestion, tram revival, and stricter lane penalties – Interview with Transport Minister

In a recent interview, the Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov, addressed the growing issue of traffic congestion in the capital, the potential return of the tram system, stricter penalties for drivers violating public transport lanes, and improvements in the railway sector. The interview was part of a panel session held on October 18, in Tashkent, focused on reforms in the transport sector and the role of public-private partnership projects.

Traffic Congestion: A Persistent Challenge

Mahkamov acknowledged that traffic congestion is a complex issue that cannot be completely eliminated but can only be slowed down. He attributed the growing congestion primarily to the increase in private vehicle use, surpassing the capacity of existing road infrastructure. While several infrastructure improvement projects are underway, such as intersection upgrades, he stressed that these projects require time and substantial financial investment.

"We cannot stop congestion entirely; we can only slow down its acceleration. The key is to increase the attractiveness of public transportation and encourage more people to use it," Mahkamov said.

He further noted that societal cooperation between private car drivers and public transport users is essential in addressing this issue. However, he cautioned that achieving tangible results within a few months is highly challenging.

Tram Project: Still on the Table

When asked about the possibility of reintroducing the tram system in Tashkent, Mahkamov confirmed that the project is still under consideration. However, due to the urgent need to allocate financial resources to more immediate infrastructure projects, the tram project is being approached gradually. The technical and economic feasibility of the project is currently being developed, with further details to be announced once the project begins.

“The tram project has not been abandoned. It is being planned to connect the new and old parts of Tashkent. However, we must first allocate funds for critical infrastructure projects and proceed step by step,” Mahkamov explained.

Strict Penalties for Public Transport Lane Violations

Mahkamov also discussed the enforcement of rules governing bus lanes, which are reserved exclusively for public transport. He warned that stricter penalties will be imposed on drivers who illegally use these lanes. Collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is already underway to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement.

“To systematically prevent violations, we are installing cameras on buses and introducing amendments to the Administrative Code to ensure that drivers who misuse bus lanes are penalized,” the minister stated.

He revealed that legislative discussions are ongoing in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, with the aim of introducing stricter measures to address this issue.

Railway and Public Engagement

During the interview, Mahkamov also touched on the quality of passenger services on Uzbekistan's railways. He mentioned efforts to improve the standard of rail travel, particularly in passenger train wagons, and addressed concerns about the absence of government ministers at press conferences, which he attributed to various reasons.