Modern electric trains to connect Bukhara, Urgench, and Khiva by year-end – Transport Ministry

Construction is currently progressing rapidly on a 10.8–kilometer railway line that will connect Urgench International Airport to the main rail network in Urgench. The Minister confirmed that this Urgench–Khiva link will be fully electrified by August 1, paving the way for immediate electric train operations before the service extends to Bukhara later in the year.

 Rolling stock expansion and international partnerships

 To support the growing network, Uzbekistan is substantially increasing its fleet of high-speed and regional trains. Following the delivery of two high-speed "Jaloliddin Manguberdi" electric trains earlier, the transport ministry plans to purchase four additional trains of this model. Testing is currently underway on the Tashkent–Khiva–Tashkent route, with regular operations scheduled to begin as soon as trials conclude successfully.

 Furthermore, authorities are evaluating plans to modernize the rail lines connecting Tashkent with Andijan and Termez. These routes, which traverse challenging mountainous terrain and passes, are expected to be serviced by eight specialized high-speed trainsets manufactured by South Korea's Hyundai Rotem.

 The government has also signed a memorandum with Czech manufacturer Skoda Transportation to purchase 10 modern electric trains, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. These trains will be deployed to link regional centers with neighboring economic zones, including routes such as Termez–Samarkand, Urgench–Nukus, Tashkent–Angren, Tashkent–Bekabad, Tashkent–Boysun–Qurghon, and Samarkand–Karshi–Shahrisabz. This acquisition alone is projected to accommodate an additional 5.2 million passengers annually. Minister Mahkamov noted that negotiations are also underway with other European companies to secure another 10 electric trainsets.

 Commuter rail upgrades and urban integration

 The ministry is concurrently upgrading commuter services around the capital and the Fergana Valley. Following the introduction of two Russian–built EP3D suburban trains on the Tashkent–Hodjikent–Chirchiq route last year, domestic production efforts with foreign partners have yielded two more modern units. One entered service on the Fergana Valley circular route on April 30, while the second will begin operating on the Tashkent–Gazalkent–Hodjikent and newly completed Tashkent–Parkent lines this July.

 To ensure seamless transit for commuters entering the capital, the ministry will establish dedicated transport hubs integrating rail and public transit by the end of the year. New railway stations will be constructed near the Choshtepa, Shahriston, and Turon metro stations, which the minister emphasized will provide passengers with a safer, faster, and more convenient commute.