Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Tashkent Metro has provided clarifications regarding allegations of purchasing escalators at inflated prices.

The metro system procured eight new escalators for the stations "Halklar Dustligi," "Novza," and "Pachtakor" at a cost of 10.5 billion soums, approximately 1.3 billion soums per escalator.

According to the metro officials, the escalators purchased are of the "heavy-duty" type, designed for operation up to 20 hours a day under full load, which significantly distinguishes them from simpler and less expensive "light-duty" models.

Additionally, all technical parameters and the cost of the equipment were reviewed and approved by the "Complex Center for Project Expertise and Import Contracts" under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The metro administration also specified that the actual cost of one escalator is US$55,000. The remaining expenses are related to transportation, customs duties, VAT, installation, certification, as well as a five-year warranty and spare parts.

The metro administration has proposed an independent audit of the purchase, involving specialists to confirm the justification of the expenses.

Furthermore, the metro announced a new tender for purchasing escalators for the stations "Mustakillik Maydoni" and "Hamid Olimjan," inviting all interested companies to participate.