Uzbekistan may launch high-speed Andijan — Samarkand trains: draft decree put forward for discussion

Draft open for public discussion

The Ministry of Transport has developed a draft presidential decree that envisages launching high-speed electric trains on the Andijan — Samarkand route by the end of 2027. To this end, the existing Tashkent — Andijan route is to be extended to Samarkand, which, according to the authors' plan, should develop transport links between the Fergana Valley, Tashkent, Syrdarya, Jizzakh and Samarkand regions. The draft has been put forward for public discussion until 11 November, as reported by Daryo.uz with reference to the document posted on the regulation portal.

What else the document provides

In addition to the route extension, the draft contains a broader package of transport measures. From July 2027, it is proposed to create a unified transport system for Tashkent and Tashkent Region, linking the Tashkent-North and Tashkent-South railway stations, the capital's international airport and the central bus station. The number of suburban electric trains from Chirchiq, Yangiyul, Angren and Almalyk is planned to be increased 1.5-fold, with transfers organized directly to metro stations. Kun.uz additionally notes, that by the end of 2027 Samarkand should see express buses called 'Tourist Shuttle' running on the route airport — railway station — Registan — Shahi Zinda — 'Bogia shahar' — major hotels, and from February 2028 continuous express buses in Bukhara along the line railway station — airport — old town — hotels. The draft also provides for the introduction of a BRT system in Nukus on sections with high passenger traffic and a unified ticketing system for passengers.

The Fergana Valley and targets for 2030

For the Fergana Valley, it is proposed to double the number of daily electric trains on the circular route Kokand — Pop — Namangan — Andijan — Margilan — Kokand by the end of 2028, and to launch regular minibuses from Pop railway station to the Namangan bus station. Under the strategy, by 2030 the number of electric trains on local routes is planned to be brought to 30, and the passenger carriage fleet to 650. For comparison: in May 2026 the high-speed train 'Jaloliddin Manguberdi' was already launched on the Tashkent — Khiva — Tashkent route, which shows a continuation of the policy of expanding high-speed services. All the measures listed remain proposals in the draft document and will take effect only after its adoption.