Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — More than 30 major international companies have expressed interest in participating in the tender for the construction of the Tashkent–Andijan toll road, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov stated in an interview with the Uzbekiston 24 TV channel.

Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the tender of a second toll highway project—Tashkent–Samarkand.

Construction work on both projects is scheduled to begin in 2025.

The Minister of Transport emphasized that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed officials to expedite the implementation of these projects while eliminating unnecessary delays. Authorities also plan to legally mandate the availability of an alternative free road for all toll highways.

The first phase of the Tashkent–Andijan project has already been announced. A consortium, including PwC, UK-based Arup and Partners, and CMS Cameron, has been engaged with the support of the World Bank as the primary consultant for selecting a private partner.

Recently, international investment firm Meridiam confirmed its interest in the project.

Discussions about the construction of the Tashkent–Andijan toll road have been ongoing since 2019. The project includes the construction of a new tunnel at the Kamchik Pass. According to Uzbekistan’s Public-Private Partnership Development Agency, the estimated toll for passenger cars is expected to be US$5–6.

The project’s financial parameters have been revised multiple times. In January 2024, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriyev estimated the cost at US$4.65 billion, but a revised assessment in October 2023 lowered the nominal cost to US$4.28 billion.

According to Minister Makhkamov, the introduction of toll roads will enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and create "additional economic opportunities." The initiative is part of a broader transport reform aimed at modernizing Uzbekistan’s infrastructure.