Uzbekistan is planning to expand its passenger railway network by purchasing new electric trains and upgrading its fleet of carriages and locomotives. This was announced on June 3 by Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov during a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.
According to him, the purchase of 10 modern electric trains from Czech company Škoda Transportation will create the capacity to transport an additional 5.2 million passengers annually on high-demand routes. “An agreement has been signed with Škoda Transportation to begin deliveries of electric trains. From 2027, the trains will start arriving in the country,” the minister said.
The new trains are planned to be gradually introduced on the following routes: Termez — Sariosiyo; Urgench — Nukus; Tashkent — Gulistan — Bekabad; Tashkent — Boyturgon; Tashkent — Kokand; Pap — Namangan — Andijan — Margilan — Kokand; Samarkand — Karshi — Shakhrisabz; Tashkent — Angren; Tashkent — Khojikent — Chinorkent. Makhkamov emphasized that this will expand the ability to connect regional centers with agglomerations and tourist destinations.
Negotiations are also underway with other major companies to purchase an additional 10 modern electric trains. The minister reported that by the end of this year, production of 1,899 freight and 50 passenger carriages is planned. The fleet renewal will continue in subsequent years: in 2027, 1,200 freight and 50 passenger carriages will be produced, and by 2030, an additional 200 modern passenger carriages will be prepared.
Special attention is being paid to renewing the locomotive fleet. In 2025, four diesel locomotives were purchased, and in the first quarter of 2026, another eight locomotives were acquired. Plans also include purchasing 50 mainline and 50 shunting locomotives from China, as well as modernizing 12 mainline locomotives.
In 2024, a modern EP3D suburban electric train was delivered from Russia and put into service on the Tashkent — Khojikent — Chinorkent route. This year, two modern electric trains have been produced jointly with Russian partners. One of them has been operating on the Fergana Valley ring route since April 30. The second electric train is scheduled to be launched in July on the Tashkent — Syrdarya — Bekabad and the recently built Tashkent — Parkent routes.
Additionally, two high-speed electric trains named “Jaloliddin Manguberdi” have been delivered to Uzbekistan. They are currently undergoing testing on the Tashkent — Khiva — Tashkent route. After successful completion of the tests, the trains are planned to be put into regular service.
Makhkamov stated that the modernization of the Tashkent — Andijan and Tashkent — Termez railway lines is currently under consideration, along with the introduction of 8 high-speed Hyundai Rotem electric trains on these routes. Earlier, it was reported that 6 such trains were planned for delivery. According to him, special train sets capable of operating in mountainous areas and passes are planned for the Tashkent — Andijan and Tashkent — Termez routes. Additionally, the purchase of another 4 “Jaloliddin Manguberdi” trains is envisaged.
Hyundai Rotem signed a contract with Uzbekistan Railways in June 2024 during the visit of then-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to Tashkent for the supply of 6 electric trains (a total of 42 carriages) and their maintenance. The total project cost is estimated at €220.03 million. The Korea Eximbank is to provide the equivalent of €185.18 million in Korean won for a period of 40 years, including a 10-year grace period.
Source: www.gazeta.uz