Urban transformation efforts have officially commenced along a segment of Taras Shevchenko Street near the capital's railway station, spanning the area between the former Tashkent Emblem monument and the Berdakh statue. Mirobad district leader Anvar Sayfutdinov reportedly hosted a public hearing on November 3 to outline the municipal project and address growing community concerns. It should be noted that the previous monument—locally known as the 'Kopeyka' and shaped like hands holding the city emblem—was allegedly dismantled years ago without any official explanation from the authorities, while the local leadership has now firmly rejected citizens' appeals to restore the historical structure.
Under the newly unveiled municipal blueprint, the empty pedestal will be replaced by a towering 62-meter flagpole bearing the national flag of Uzbekistan, accompanied by a newly constructed fountain directly behind it. The local administration claims that this visual installation is intended to serve as a welcoming landmark for travelers arriving at the Northern Railway Station. The total project area covers approximately 30,975 square meters, with nearly 2,770 square meters dedicated to greenery. Furthermore, the initiative includes planting various shrubs, modernizing pedestrian walkways, upgrading the lighting infrastructure, and installing shaded benches, with irrigation reportedly supplied by the nearby Salar canal.
Local residents, however, voiced skepticism regarding the potential spillover of chaotic parking into their residential courtyards once paid parking zones are implemented along the redesigned street. While the district leader promised that no heavy commercial construction would take place, community members remain critical of the ongoing changes and the lack of prior consultation regarding public spaces. The project additionally envisions establishing ten commercial kiosks—rented out exclusively through five-year auctions for selling light refreshments—and overhauling the facades of adjacent residential buildings to meet a unified urban aesthetic within a tight two-month completion deadline.
Source: www.gazeta.uz