Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12 February, a press conference titled "Tashkent Metro: New Stages of Development" was held at the Sputnik press center.

The event featured key representatives of Tashkent Metro GUP, including Chief Engineer Mirkhokim Mirkhusanov, Head of Chilanzar Depot Rustam Shafikov, and Press Service Head Tuychi Mirzaev.

Major Metro Upgrades in Recent Years

Since its opening in 1977, the Tashkent Metro has undergone significant transformations. New elevated routes have been introduced, modern stations have been constructed, and state-of-the-art escalators and other transport infrastructure elements have been installed, giving the metro a fundamentally new look.

Until 2021, the metro operated 36 trainsets. However, over the past three to four years, 38 new trains (152 cars) have been added, increasing the total number of trainsets to 74. In February 2025, an additional three new trainsets (12 cars) are expected to enter service.

Expansion of Metro Lines and Station Growth

Before 2021, the Tashkent Metro consisted of three lines, 29 stations, and a total length of 38 km. However, following government decisions and presidential decrees, extensive modernization efforts have been undertaken. Today, the metro network comprises four lines, 50 stations, and a total length exceeding 71 km.

This expansion has significantly improved urban transport connectivity, reducing travel time. For example, a journey from Sergeli to Yunusabad now takes just 40 minutes.

Beyond improving passenger comfort, the metro expansion reduces road congestion, benefiting urban infrastructure and economic development. Additionally, electric trains make the metro an environmentally friendly transport option, minimizing pollution levels.

Increasing Passenger Flow and Optimizing Train Intervals

The demand for Tashkent Metro services continues to grow. In 2021, daily ridership ranged from 220,000 to 250,000 passengers. Today, this figure has surpassed 1 million passengers per day.

To accommodate increasing passenger flow, train intervals have been significantly reduced over the past three years:

Chilanzar Line – 1.5 minutes

Uzbekistan Line – 3 minutes

Yunusabad Line – 4 minutes

Circular Line – 9 minutes

Additionally, since 2021, 4,000 new employees have been recruited, bringing the total metro workforce to over 6,000 people.

Infrastructure Improvements and Technological Upgrades

Tashkent Metro continues to undergo modernization. At Halklar Dustligi and Novza stations, old escalators have already been replaced, with similar work in progress at Pakhtakor, Mustaqillik Maydoni, and Hamid Alimjon stations. Further escalator upgrades are planned across the network.

With rising passenger numbers, previously closed second vestibules are being reopened at Milli Bog, Yunus Rajabi, Gafur Gulom, Uzbekistan, and Mashinasozlar stations. Additionally, mother-and-child rooms and sanitary facilities will be introduced at nine stations, with the first phase nearing completion at Buyuk Ipak Yuli, Pakhtakor, Amir Temur Hiyoboni, and Beruniy stations.

The procurement of new trainsets will further reduce train intervals, enhancing passenger comfort and safety.

Enhanced Safety Measures and Social Initiatives

To ensure passenger security, law enforcement officers conduct baggage inspections at station entrances. Metal detectors and facial recognition systems have also been installed for enhanced surveillance.

Social initiatives remain a priority, with pensioners benefiting from free metro access throughout the day.

Strategic Expansion Amid Growing Demand

Tashkent Metro authorities emphasize that public interest in underground transport is rising, prompting long-term, phased expansion plans. These efforts focus on improving convenience, safety, and operational efficiency to meet the demands of a rapidly growing urban population.

At the end of the press conference, metro representatives addressed questions from journalists.