In the city of Samarkand, a proposal was made to construct an underground pedestrian crossing on Registan Street. This was reported by Upl.uz.
This street is adjacent to the world-famous Registan Square, and due to a significant increase in pedestrian traffic, such an initiative has emerged. Acting regional governor Adiz Boboev put forward this proposal to accommodate the growing flow of people and ensure their safety.
However, since recent urban planning documents prioritize pedestrians, this project may conflict with some legal regulations. The Samarkand regional administration is considering the possibility of replacing the existing traffic light-controlled above-ground pedestrian crossing with an underground crossing.
Nevertheless, this project has not yet been approved at the national level, and its implementation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, another underground pedestrian passage that was closed 18 years ago nearby is being restored.
This passage is intended to serve as a substitute for the uncontrolled above-ground crossing. According to the press service of the authorities, these works are related to the increase in tourist flow and the necessity to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
In particular, students living in the "Registan" and "Quloqlar" neighborhoods cross the busy Registan Street daily to attend School No. 2. Adiz Boboev ordered strict adherence to safety regulations during the earthworks.
It was recommended that construction activities be carried out at night to avoid inconveniencing drivers. According to the authorities, the construction work is planned to be completed in a short time.
Additionally, a new above-ground pedestrian crossing will be established at the intersection of Rudaki and Shohi-Zinda streets, near the Siob market. Traffic lights will be installed there.
Representatives of the authorities emphasized that due to the absence of a crossing, people are forced to cross the road at risk or take a long detour to reach stopping points. The acting regional head said: "First and foremost, comfortable conditions must be created for people."
Bus stops will be organized in this area, and measures will be taken to regulate taxi parking, as they often occupy parts of the roadway. Initiatives to build underground pedestrian crossings raise questions among experts and the public.
Such facilities are often presented as conveniences, but this may be a misinterpretation of the concept. These decisions indicate that state-level documents are either being ignored or misunderstood.
It is worth noting that Uzbekistan's strategy for developing the public safety system for 2022-2025 includes the widespread implementation of the "Pedestrian Priority" principle. Furthermore, the presidential decree from April 2022 clearly outlines the priorities in road traffic: pedestrians, public transport, bicycle transport, and automobile transport, in that order.
The head of state has repeatedly drawn attention to this issue. In the summer of 2020, he said: "Excessive priority is given to transport on the roads.
However, pedestrian movement, people's safety, and health must come first." At a meeting in January of the following year, Shavkat Mirziyoyev raised this topic again and emphasized that the slogan "City for Pedestrians" should be the main principle for all leaders.
Journalist Qobil Khidirov commented on the events as follows: "Instead of reducing the number of cars around Registan and lowering speed, a new structure causing inconvenience to pedestrians will appear." The interesting aspect is that
