Tashkent could eliminate its shortage of schools and kindergartens within about three years if planned measures are implemented, Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov said in an interview with Gazeta.
The capital's schools had 562,053 students in 2025, up 173,651, or nearly 45%, from 388,402 in 2017. Over 2017-2026, 13 new schools were built, including seven in 2021, according to hokimiyat data.
Umurzakov said the authorities were focusing on student capacity rather than simply the number of buildings. Projects for schools accommodating 15,500 children have already been prepared, with funding available, while projects for 13 kindergartens with a combined capacity of 6,000 places are also ready.
About $100 million was reserved at the beginning of 2026 for schools, kindergartens and sports schools. Around 15,000 additional student places are planned this year, with the mayor expecting annual additions to rise to 20,000-25,000.
“You can say that there is a shortage of 75 schools, but 75 small schools will not provide 75,000 places. We can build 50 schools and create capacity for 75,000 places,” Umurzakov said.
The authorities estimate that 69,582 school places were created through reconstruction and new construction in 2017-2026, while the National Statistics Committee puts the figure at 94,500. Even the higher figure represents only about 54% of the growth in student numbers during 2017-2025.
Preschool coverage also remains uneven. Planned 2026 coverage exceeds 90% in only two of the capital's 12 districts, while it is expected to stand at 57.9% in Shaykhantahur.
“Is infrastructure keeping pace with Tashkent's rapid development? Not yet. There is a lag,” Umurzakov said.
Earlier this month, construction began on 12 modern schools, expected to add 18,000 places by the start of the next academic year. Plans also call for 16 modern kindergartens.
