Uzbekistan considers high-speed rail links from Tashkent to Andijan and Termez

The procurement strategy was a central focus during a meeting held in the Republic of Korea on June 10. The working session brought together Sharofiddin Kodirov, Chief Engineer of Uzbekistan Railways JSC, Anvar Dushayev, a department head at the Ministry of Transport, and Lee Yong-bae, President of Hyundai Rotem.

The officials synchronized updates regarding the timely production and delivery of the Jaloliddin Manguberdi high-speed electric trains, which are currently being manufactured for Uzbekistan's rail network. In tandem, the delegations evaluated the technical parameters required for the additional eight-train order destined for the eastern and southern corridors. At the conclusion of the talks, both sides committed to maintaining close cooperation to ensure the efficient execution of these joint infrastructure initiatives.

The blueprint to extend high-speed rail connectivity from the capital to the cities of Andijan and Termez was recently highlighted by the Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov, during a parliamentary address earlier this month.

Mahkamov explained that the project involves a comprehensive modernization of the existing railway tracks along the Tashkent–Andijan and Tashkent–Termez corridors. Because both routes stretch through rugged geographical territory and steep mountain passes, the rolling stock must meet unique engineering demands. The minister noted that the government will acquire specialized locomotive compositions and power units specifically designed to operate safely and efficiently through high-altitude mountainous terrain.

This potential procurement builds upon an existing foundational agreement signed between Hyundai Rotem and Uzbekistan Railways in 2024. That contract outlines the delivery and long-term technical maintenance of six Jaloliddin Manguberdi trainsets, comprising a total of 42 passenger cars. Over the course of 2026, the first two trainsets of this order arrived in Uzbekistan and have already entered trial operations along the Tashkent–Khiva route.

The initial six-train contract is valued at 220.03 million euros. The financing structure for that project was secured through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank), which provided the equivalent of 185.18 million euros denominated in South Korean won. The credit facility is structured over a 40–year repayment term and includes a 10–year grace period, establishing a precedent for the country's ongoing railway electrification and modernization funding.