Uzbekistan Railways (UTY) has signed a contract with Czech company Skoda Group for the supply of 10 modern electric trains. The agreement, worth 120 million euros, covers the delivery of the trains by 2027, as well as their localization and partial production in Uzbekistan.
Hikmatilla Rahimov, First Deputy Chairman of UTY, stated that the deal involves purchasing 10 Skoda trains that meet world standards, along with localization and partial production in Uzbekistan. “I consider this very important. Skoda is one of the most famous companies in the world today. Of course, this is a matter of pride for Uzbekistan Railways. In accordance with the decisions of our respected president, these 10 electric trains should arrive in Uzbekistan in 2027,” he said in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV channel.
Petr Novotny, head of the Skoda Group, emphasized that Uzbekistan is seen as a strategic market. “What does this mean? First, we are considering the first project for the supply of intercity trains. Then, as I mentioned, we will continue work on localizing production and setting up a service center. This service center should operate not only in Uzbekistan but also become a center for exchanging experience for other Central Asian countries in the future,” he said.
The 120 million euro contract also includes establishing a joint venture, localizing production, developing service infrastructure, and opening the Skoda Academy educational platform. “The investments will be substantial: they will be directed to infrastructure, equipment, outfitting, and service. We will start with service first, then deepen localization. We hope this will attract other suppliers to the region, thereby strengthening mobility and supply chain stability in Uzbekistan and the region. I think this is the preface to a completely new path that is starting here and now. We are sincerely interested in continuing this work and will act with enthusiasm,” Novotny noted.
According to the company, the 10 regional electric trains are designed for 1520 mm gauge tracks and will be produced on Skoda platforms with the involvement of production facilities in Latvia and Estonia. UTY told Gazeta that the exact model has not been disclosed yet, but the trains will be adapted to Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions.
In 2023, at the Uzbekistan-Czech business forum, UTY and Skoda Group signed a contract for the supply of 30 electric trains worth 320 million euros. Then-Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov called the agreement a revolutionary step for Uzbekistan Railways. Production of partially low-floor trains was expected to start in 2024. However, no further news about the delivery of these trains emerged. According to informed sources, the contract was suspended, but is now being supported by Czech insurers and the European Investment Bank.
Source: www.gazeta.uz