From October 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will implement a new package of rules and support measures affecting social protection, transport, business and industry, as well as cultural and sporting life. In its traditional review, Podrobno.uz examines the key October innovations.
Benefits and social support. Starting October 1, veterans and individuals who became disabled as a result of military actions, equivalent categories of citizens, as well as victims of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, will be able to receive free or discounted tickets for planes, trains, and intercity buses. The corresponding decision was made on August 17, 2026. The benefit provides free or 50% travel depending on the category of the beneficiary. Eligibility will be verified through social protection information systems, so no additional certificates are required — an identity document or biometric passport is sufficient to book a ticket. For air travel, the benefit applies to economy class tickets; for rail transport, it covers seats in general, reserved, and compartment carriages. Carriers' expenses will be compensated by the National Agency for Social Protection from the state budget. From January 1, 2027, such tickets can also be booked through the Baraka social card mobile application, simplifying the process for beneficiaries who do not use ticket offices.
Transport and railways. A separate women-only carriage will be introduced on the international train No. 1/2 Almaty – Tashkent, where female conductors will also work. Tickets for this carriage can only be purchased by women, and boys up to seven years old inclusive can travel with a woman accompanying them. Additionally, from October 1, the schedule of several trains between Tashkent and the cities of the Fergana Valley will change. In particular, train No. 730 will depart from Tashkent at 07:20 and arrive in Andijan at 11:42. The return train No. 729 will depart from Andijan at 15:33 and arrive in Tashkent at 19:55. The schedule of several long-distance and local trains will also change. Some new schedules will take effect in the following days of October.
Business support. From October 1, district and city headquarters for entrepreneurship development will begin compensating part of the interest rate on bank loans for self-employed individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. Funds will be directed to projects that create sustainable jobs and income sources. From the same date, separate conditions are introduced for the electrical engineering industry. Enterprises can receive loans to replenish working capital for up to two years, including a three-month grace period — a maximum of five million dollars per enterprise at 6% per annum. The national company "Tadbirkorlikni Rivojlantirish" can cover up to 50% of the loan amount, but not more than 20 billion soums. Also, from October 1, the copper procurement scheme is simplified: enterprises can pay 25% of the cost immediately, and the remaining 75% will be transferred by "Uzsanoatexport" within three days. The enterprise must repay this amount within 90 days with 6% per annum accrued.
Restrictions in the historical zone. In the historical part of Bukhara, the movement of electric scooters, mopeds, rickshaws, four-wheeled bicycles, karts, as well as horses and camels will be restricted. The restrictions will apply on the section from the Ark Fortress through Poi-Kalyan and Khakikat Street to Lyabi-Hauz. Appropriate road signs and indicators will be installed at entrances and exits.
Sports. Starting October 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will host international and national tennis competitions on a permanent basis. The calendar will include ATP, WTA, and ITF tournaments, the Uzbekistan Cup, national championships among adults and youth, as well as Uzbekistan Open and the men's ATP Challenger tournament.
Education and science. From October 1, 2026, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence will begin operating in New Tashkent. It opens as part of the new complex of the "Yangi O'zbekiston" University, built on an area of 10 hectares and designed to educate 7,000 students. In addition to the institute, a School of Rectors has already been launched here jointly with Harvard University, and an Education Hub for advanced training of civil servants is being created with Oxford University.
Source: podrobno.uz