New details have been announced regarding the Tashkent-Samarkand toll road project. According to Asliddin Isayev, Deputy Director of the "Avtoyolinvest" agency under the Committee of Automobile Roads of the Ministry of Transport, in an interview with the "Uzbekistan 24" TV channel, the road will start from the ring road in the Sergeli district of Tashkent, run parallel to the existing route, and extend to the Samarkand region. It was noted that traffic flow on this direction is currently high, with 55,000–60,000 vehicles moving daily.
Isayev emphasized that the Tashkent-Samarkand toll road is considered one of the largest strategic projects today. As a result of this road's construction, travel time from Tashkent to Samarkand is expected to be reduced by 2–2.5 hours. The total cost of the project, based on the approved technical-economic justification, is estimated at $2.25 billion. It includes major engineering works, with plans for 12 transport interchanges, 60 tunnel crossings, 91 bridges, 16 overpasses, and 258 pipes (drainage structures).
The financing process for the project is ongoing. Isayev stated that negotiations with potential investors have concluded, and pre-contract talks on financing terms are currently underway. It was mentioned that discussions are being held with major Chinese investor companies, including those in the world's top 100 list. Practical and construction works are planned to begin in the near future.
The new route is planned to be equipped with intelligent transport systems. According to Isayev, the highway will have 12 entry-exit terminals, be fully digitized, and intelligent transport systems will operate 24/7. The terminals will allow drivers to enter and exit the highway at various points along the route. The toll fee for using the road has not been set yet; it will be determined based on final negotiations, considering investor proposals and the financial capabilities of the population.
The implementation of the project is being considered in stages. Isayev noted that there is a possibility of commissioning the road in phases, without waiting for full completion of construction. According to studies, the highest traffic flow exists on the section from Tashkent city to Syrdarya, so options for phased opening of the road are being discussed with investors. This project is part of Uzbekistan's program to create a network of toll roads, with plans to start construction in 2026 on the Tashkent-Samarkand, Andijan, and Charvak directions.
Source: www.gazeta.uz