President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan reviewed a presentation on the current status of four planned toll road projects in the country. The presentation detailed projects for the Tashkent–Samarkand, Tashkent–Angren–Kamchik Pass, Tashkent–Charvak, and Urgench–Khiva roads. These initiatives aim to develop the nation's transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, but face significant challenges in implementation and funding.
The Tashkent–Samarkand toll highway project is the most extensive, with a total length of 282 km. The road will be classified as Category Ia, meeting the highest technical requirements and safety standards. Within the project, soil stabilization works are being carried out on 140 km of sections, and construction of six traffic lanes with cement-concrete pavement, each 3.75 meters wide, is planned. The design speed of the road is 150 km/h, and completion is targeted within five years, though delays and cost overruns are common in such large-scale infrastructure endeavors.
An alternative 171 km road project along the Tashkent–Angren–Kamchik Pass route was also presented, involving the construction of 33 km of tunnels and several major engineering structures. The president was informed about ongoing negotiations regarding funding sources and attracting foreign investors, but details remain vague, raising concerns about financial sustainability and transparency. The presentation emphasized the need to focus on environmental requirements, safety, and convenience in road design, yet practical adherence to these standards is often questionable in regional projects.
Jamshid Tursunov, Chairman of the Committee for Automobile Roads, stated that four toll roads are planned to be built in the country based on public-private partnerships. According to him, tender processes for the Tashkent–Samarkand and Tashkent–Andijan roads have already been completed, but state authorities have not yet announced the tender winner. The tender for the Tashkent–Charvak road has also been approved, with work scheduled to begin this year, though bureaucratic hurdles could impede progress.
Construction has begun on the Urgench–Khiva road, which is set to be commissioned this year as the first toll road in the republic. However, earlier reports by Gazeta highlighted that in the construction of Uzbekistan's first toll road, Avtoyol structures are simultaneously acting as client, contractor, and supplier. Experts warn that this lack of institutional separation of duties could lead to systemic conflicts of interest and corruption risks. The project is valued at $120 million, and the anti-corruption agency has stated it is investigating the project. Construction on the remaining three toll roads is planned to start in 2026, but given the complexities, delays and cost escalations are likely.
Source: www.gazeta.uz