Construction of Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed line could launch by end of 2026

Uzbekistan aims to launch construction of a high-speed rail line linking Tashkent and Samarkand as early as this year.

Photo: Ministry of Transport

Speaking on the sidelines of the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in Samarkand, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriyev said the ministry is working to refine the project’s feasibility study to make it more attractive to investors ahead of a tender.

A final report on the feasibility study, prepared by a consortium of South Korean firms, including Korea Railroad Corporation and Korea National Railway, was presented on April 28.

“Some issues and adjustments still need to be resolved with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and potentially other consultants. While the technical side is clear, we need to strengthen the project’s investment case to make it more attractive to investors,” Choriyev said, adding that this would involve identifying key selling points and highlighting which sections and infrastructure assets could attract investor interest.

The ministry is working with the World Bank to appoint a consultant to conduct a brief review and validation of the project, after which the authorities plan to proceed with the tender.

Choriyev noted that the project is complex, though the feasibility study was completed in around 14 months with input from regional authorities. He added that the ministry aims to launch construction of the railway this year.