Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 6 August, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the ongoing work and future plans in the railway sector.

On 10 October 2023, a presidential decree was issued for the transformation of the joint-stock company "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari." An international consulting firm has been engaged to assist in this process.

The company has been reorganized into six independent enterprises focusing on infrastructure, wagon maintenance, passenger transportation, and other areas. Inefficient and redundant tasks have been streamlined.

The rolling stock has been augmented with 1,040 freight and 45 passenger cars. The duration of domestic freight transport has been halved. The construction of two additional electrified lines at the Keles station has increased the capacity for train passage around Tashkent by 30 percent.

As a result of these reforms, "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari," which had long been operating at a loss, has started to turn a profit. The presentation also covered upcoming tasks and pressing issues requiring resolution.

Recent consumer complaints have highlighted problems with passenger car conditions and cooling systems. Out of the fleet, 143 wagons need repairs, and 59 locomotives have reached the end of their service life.

To address this, US$50 million from the Industrial Development Fund will be allocated for new wagon production. Agreements have been reached with Chinese partners for the supply of 38 locomotives and the modernization of 12 electric locomotives at a cost of US$181 million.

Plans for updating the train fleet with these funds were outlined during the presentation.

Last year, during a meeting with voters from Karakalpakstan, President Mirziyoyev announced the launch of high-speed train services from Tashkent to Nukus.

To facilitate this, six modern electric trains from the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem are planned for acquisition. Electrification of the 465-kilometer Bukhara-Urgench-Khiva railway line is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. In the coming years, the 196-kilometer Miskin-Nukus line will also be electrified, reducing travel time from 16 to 7 hours.

The presentation also provided instructions on the privatization of non-core assets of the joint-stock company and measures to enhance quality and increase the export of services in the sector.