Major toll highway across Kamchik Pass planned to cut Tashkent – Andijan travel time in half

The planned highway, estimated to cost $3.66 billion, is designed to remain operational even in adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow, according to Asliddin Isaev, deputy director of Avtoyulinvest Agency. Isaev discussed the project in an interview with the Uzbekistan24 TV channel.

The toll road connecting Tashkent and Andijan will span a total of 314 km, making it one of the largest strategic infrastructure projects currently planned in Uzbekistan.

During the first phase, authorities plan to build a 171 km section along the Tashkent – Angren – Kamchik Pass route. Of this stretch, 33 km will consist of 10 tunnels running through the mountainous terrain of the pass.

A new major tunnel will also be constructed and is expected to become one of the largest in Central Asia.

The highway will be built to Category 1B standards, with four lanes designed for speeds of 120–150 km/h.

Once completed, the new toll road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Tashkent and Andijan.

Currently, the journey takes approximately 5–5.5 hours, but the new route could shorten travel time to 2–2.5 hours.

The project is being implemented with support from the World Bank. The international consulting company Arup was engaged to prepare the full project design and manage the tender procedures.

According to Isaev, the tender process is approaching completion, and practical construction work is expected to begin this year.

Major companies from France, Turkey, and China have shown interest in participating in the project.

“One of our main objectives is to improve road safety. The construction of this road is aimed at achieving that goal. The highway will be fully prepared for operation even in unfavorable weather conditions, including rain and snow,” Isaev said.

Authorities estimate that construction of the 171 km alternative highway along the Tashkent – Angren – Kamchik Pass route will cost $3.66 billion. Annual toll revenue is projected at $465 million, suggesting the project could pay for itself within eight years.

On March 5, Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the progress of major transport infrastructure modernization projects. Officials reported on financing options and negotiations with potential foreign investors.

During the presentation, Jamshid Tursunov stated that four toll highways are planned for construction in 2026 under public – private partnership mechanisms. These include routes connecting Tashkent – Samarkand, Tashkent – Andijan, Tashkent – Charvak, and Urgench – Khiva.

According to Tursunov, the tenders for the Tashkent – Samarkand and Tashkent – Andijan toll roads have already been completed, and the president has been briefed on the next steps to begin practical construction work with the selected contractor.