Uzbekistan Launches Construction of the New Tashkent–Samarkand Highway
Uzbekistan
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Tashkent–Samarkand highway, describing it as one of the country's largest infrastructure projects in recent years. The new motorway is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, enhance Uzbekistan's transit potential and create new opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President noted that Uzbekistan's economy has nearly tripled in recent years and is on track to reach $240 billion by 2030. He stressed that further sustainable development requires modern transport infrastructure capable of supporting the country's expanding economy and growing international trade.
Today, around 4,000 kilometres of international transit highways pass through Uzbekistan. A significant share of these routes is already operating at or beyond capacity. Once the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan railway corridor become operational, Uzbekistan is expected to become a key link in the shortest overland route connecting the Pacific region with Europe while also gaining improved access to South Asian markets through Pakistani ports.
According to official estimates, handling an additional 15–20 million tonnes of international transit cargo annually could generate $400–600 million in revenue, attract around $3 billion in investment for logistics centres and terminals, and create at least 50,000 permanent jobs.
The President noted that over the past decade Uzbekistan has built or reconstructed 128,000 kilometres of roads, investing 78 trillion soums in the sector. He described the new motorway as the beginning of a new era in the country's road infrastructure development.
The modern six-lane highway will stretch 282 kilometres and is valued at approximately $2.2 billion. The project includes the construction of 92 bridges, 28 overpasses and 60 tunnel crossings. The road will feature a monolithic concrete surface designed for heavy traffic and high-speed travel. On certain sections, vehicles will be able to travel at speeds of up to 150 km/h, while advanced digital traffic management and safety systems are expected to significantly reduce road accidents.
Once completed, travel time between Tashkent and Samarkand will be reduced from five hours to two and a half hours. Daily traffic is projected to reach 60,000–80,000 vehicles, while freight transportation costs are expected to decrease by 20–24 percent.
According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in infrastructure projects of this scale can generate up to five dollars in economic returns. The new motorway is expected to increase the gross regional product of Tashkent city and the Syrdarya, Jizzakh and Samarkand regions by approximately 3 percent. Logistics hubs, warehouses, industrial and agro-industrial facilities, hotels and roadside service centres will also be developed along the route.
President Mirziyoyev further announced that construction of the Khiva–Urgench highway has already begun, the international tender for the Tashkent–Andijan motorway is nearing completion, and the design of a new road linking Tashkent with Bostanliq is in its final stage.
Concluding the ceremony, the President stated that the new highway would provide a solid foundation for Uzbekistan's future economic development, improve citizens' well-being and strengthen the country's position as one of the region's key transport and logistics hubs. He then placed a commemorative capsule, officially launching construction of the project.
Today, around 4,000 kilometres of international transit highways pass through Uzbekistan. A significant share of these routes is already operating at or beyond capacity. Once the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan railway corridor become operational, Uzbekistan is expected to become a key link in the shortest overland route connecting the Pacific region with Europe while also gaining improved access to South Asian markets through Pakistani ports.
According to official estimates, handling an additional 15–20 million tonnes of international transit cargo annually could generate $400–600 million in revenue, attract around $3 billion in investment for logistics centres and terminals, and create at least 50,000 permanent jobs.
The President noted that over the past decade Uzbekistan has built or reconstructed 128,000 kilometres of roads, investing 78 trillion soums in the sector. He described the new motorway as the beginning of a new era in the country's road infrastructure development.
The modern six-lane highway will stretch 282 kilometres and is valued at approximately $2.2 billion. The project includes the construction of 92 bridges, 28 overpasses and 60 tunnel crossings. The road will feature a monolithic concrete surface designed for heavy traffic and high-speed travel. On certain sections, vehicles will be able to travel at speeds of up to 150 km/h, while advanced digital traffic management and safety systems are expected to significantly reduce road accidents.
Once completed, travel time between Tashkent and Samarkand will be reduced from five hours to two and a half hours. Daily traffic is projected to reach 60,000–80,000 vehicles, while freight transportation costs are expected to decrease by 20–24 percent.
According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in infrastructure projects of this scale can generate up to five dollars in economic returns. The new motorway is expected to increase the gross regional product of Tashkent city and the Syrdarya, Jizzakh and Samarkand regions by approximately 3 percent. Logistics hubs, warehouses, industrial and agro-industrial facilities, hotels and roadside service centres will also be developed along the route.
President Mirziyoyev further announced that construction of the Khiva–Urgench highway has already begun, the international tender for the Tashkent–Andijan motorway is nearing completion, and the design of a new road linking Tashkent with Bostanliq is in its final stage.
Concluding the ceremony, the President stated that the new highway would provide a solid foundation for Uzbekistan's future economic development, improve citizens' well-being and strengthen the country's position as one of the region's key transport and logistics hubs. He then placed a commemorative capsule, officially launching construction of the project.
Powered by Froala Editor