Uzbekistan plans to expand its passenger rail network by purchasing new electric trains and modernizing its fleet of carriages and locomotives. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov announced the initiative on June 3 during his address to the Legislative Chamber.
According to the minister, the purchase of 10 modern electric trains from the Czech manufacturer Škoda Transportation will allow the country to transport an additional 5.2 million passengers annually once deployed on high-demand routes.
"An agreement has been signed with Škoda Transportation to begin deliveries. The electric trains will start arriving in the country in 2027," Makhkamov stated.
The new trains are scheduled for a phased rollout across the following routes:
- Termez - Sariosiyo
- Urgench - Nukus
- Tashkent - Gulistan - Bekabad
- Tashkent - Baitkurgan
- Tashkent - Kokand
- Pap - Namangan - Andijan - Margilan - Kokand
- Samarkand - Karshi - Shahrisabz
- Tashkent - Angren
- Tashkent - Khodjikent - Chinorkent
Ilkhom Makhkamov noted that this initiative will connect regional centers directly with expanding urban areas and key tourism hubs.
Furthermore, negotiations are underway with other major international manufacturers to purchase an additional 10 modern electric trains.
The minister also announced plans to manufacture 1,899 freight cars and 50 passenger carriages by the end of this year. This fleet modernization will continue into the future, with 1,200 freight cars and 50 passenger carriages slated for production in 2027, followed by another 200 modern passenger carriages through 2030.
Special attention is being paid to upgrading the locomotive fleet, according to the head of the Ministry of Transport. The country acquired four diesel locomotives in 2025, followed by another eight locomotives in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan plans to purchase 50 mainline and 50 shunting locomotives from China, alongside upgrading 12 existing mainline locomotives.
In 2024, a modern EP3D suburban electric train was delivered from Russia and deployed on the Tashkent - Khodjikent - Chinorkent route.
The Minister of Transport further revealed that two modern electric trains were co-produced with Russian partners earlier this year. One of these trains began operating along the Fergana Valley loop route on April 30. The second train is scheduled to launch this July, serving the Tashkent - Syrdarya - Bekabad line and the newly constructed Tashkent - Parkent route.
Additionally, two high-speed electric trains have been delivered to Uzbekistan and are currently undergoing trials on the Tashkent - Khiva - Tashkent route. Regular commercial service will launch immediately following the successful completion of these tests.
Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov also announced that plans are being reviewed to modernize the Tashkent - Andijan and Tashkent - Termez railway lines, which will include deploying eight Hyundai Rotem high-speed electric trains on these routes - an increase from the six initially planned.
According to the minister, specialized trainsets capable of navigating mountainous terrain and high-altitude passes will be procured specifically for the Tashkent - Andijan and Tashkent - Termez routes. On top of that, there are plans to purchase an additional four trains down the line.
Hyundai Rotem signed a contract with Uzbekistan Railways in June 2024 to supply and maintain six electric trains (totaling 42 carriages) during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official visit to Tashkent. The total project cost is estimated at €220.03 million. The Exim Bank of Korea is financing the initiative with a 40-year loan in Korean won - equivalent to €185.18 million-which includes a 10-year grace period.
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