The travel time from Tashkent to Samarkand will be reduced to up to 2.5 hours
Information was provided to the head of state about the progress of road construction projects.
In our country, there are more than 184 thousand kilometers of roads. According to analyses, 25 percent of our internationally significant roads are operating under heavy loads. For example, on the "Tashkent – Samarkand" road, which is designed for 32 thousand vehicles per day, 45 thousand vehicles are currently using it. Due to traffic jams, this can sometimes take up to 6 hours. By 2030, the traffic intensity may exceed 80 thousand.
In the decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated October 10, 2023, the prospects for organizing modern highways were outlined. The main goal is primarily to create conveniences for the population and strengthen logistics chains in the national economy.
According to this decree, work is underway to construct alternative roads leading from Tashkent to Samarkand and Andijan. In particular, the "Tashkent – Andijan" road has been designed with the participation of the World Bank. An international tender for its construction was announced in January. In a short time, more than 30 prestigious foreign companies expressed interest in it.
This high-speed highway, with a total length of 314 kilometers, will reduce the travel time between Tashkent and Andijan from 5 hours to 3 hours. Additionally, it will increase the gross domestic product by 2.6 percent and reduce traffic accidents by 40 percent.
Another project is aimed at constructing an additional road connecting Tashkent and Samarkand. Its technical and economic foundations have been developed with the participation of foreign specialists. The length of this new road will be around 300 kilometers. As a result, the travel time between Tashkent and Samarkand will be reduced from 4.5 hours to 2.5 hours. Traffic congestion on the existing road will also significantly decrease.
Overall, these new roads will meet all modern requirements, providing alternatives and convenience. Various paid services for drivers and passengers will be introduced along them. Local construction companies may also participate in the construction process.
The Minister of Transport presented the status of these projects. Issues such as accelerating geodetic work, preparing the road areas, and attracting funding and contractors for construction were discussed.
