Uzbekistan has achieved a major milestone by completing a high-speed railway line. This is a major achievement in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise its transport network. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected the newly electrified railway segment connecting Urgench and Khiva. Scroll on to know more about this development.
Uzbekistan Launched High-Speed Rail Network
Uzbekistan has launched a high-speed railway line that is designed for Hyundai Rotem trains. A major milestone in the country’s rail modernisation and regional connectivity plans, this development is a step towards improving rail infrastructure in Uzbekistan and reducing travel times.
According to Railway Supply, the 465-kilometre Bukhara–Urgench–Khiva route has been fully electrified. This will enable the launch of South Korean-built high-speed trains next year across key economic corridors of Uzbekistan. With this high-speed rail network, Uzbekistan Railways has estimated that their annual ridership will increase threefold. They believe it will go from one million passengers per year to over three million. The aim is to make train travel more affordable and reliable for the people.
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Will Significantly Reduce Travel Time
The Uzbekistan Railways awarded Hyundai Rotem and KORAIL a $200 million contract in June 2024. The company will deliver and maintain high-speed trains powered by distributed traction systems. Each trainset in this route will have seven cars. It will be able to accommodate 389 passengers. The train’s top speed will be up to 250 kmph. As per reports, six units will be deployed across the entire network that stretches 1,216 kilometres. One of the most anticipated routes will be between Tashkent to Khiva. Once operational, these trains will significantly reduce the travel time from the current 14 hours to just 7 hours and 40 minutes! Authorities believe this will help encourage trade, travel, and business in the country.
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We can’t wait to see how this new and improved railway network will help boost Uzbekistan’s tourism and trade.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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