With the start of the new academic year, the capital's transport system is facing a serious test. This was reported by Upl.uz.
The circular above-ground metro line, closed due to planned repair works, has not resumed its operation until September 1. This situation may significantly worsen the traffic conditions in the city, as an increase in transport flow is traditionally expected from tomorrow.
Repair works on the "30th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence" line began gradually from the beginning of summer. Representatives of the Tashkent Metro State Unitary Enterprise announced that they are conducting planned maintenance activities, which are necessary to ensure safety and service quality in accordance with global experience.
Initially, the repair period was set to a maximum of three months, but by the beginning of autumn, movement along the entire line has not been restored. Official statements from the metro administration have been very brief and unclear.
They emphasized the necessity of maintenance, carried out to ensure the safety of stations and tunnels after a certain period of operation. However, the exact completion date of the repairs and details of the work being performed were not disclosed.
The information gap was filled by photos on social networks showing completely dismantled sections of the track, revealing the extensive scope of the repair works. The issue that worried city residents the most was not only the delay in repairs but also the responsible organizations' avoidance of providing clear and consistent information.
So far, no official explanations have been given regarding the exact date of resuming operation, the amount of funds spent, or the durability of the repairs. The lack of this information is causing concern among thousands of passengers.
To reduce inconveniences during the repairs, the authorities have introduced free high-capacity bus services. These metrobuses operate along the closed line from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, striving to ensure passenger convenience.
However, with the start of the academic year, the addition of thousands of students and schoolchildren to the working citizens makes it clear that the bus capacity is insufficient. Experts and city residents predict severe problems in the transport system during peak congestion.
Since the above-ground metro line passes through densely populated and highly trafficked areas, its absence places a heavy load on the road network. The speed of buses depends on road conditions, which usually worsen during the autumn months.
As a result, the residents of Tashkent will have to regularly prepare for traffic jams and overcrowded public transport. This situation demonstrates that modern standards of urban infrastructure management require not only technical work but also timely and accurate information provision to citizens.
The circular above-ground metro line in Tashkent is named "30th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence" and is the fourth line in the capital's metro system. Its construction began in 2017, and the first section was put into operation in August 2020.
