Uzbekistan's Tashkent-Samarkand Toll Road Construction to Start in July After Chinese Firm Wins Tender

Uzbekistan is poised to commence construction on a new 282-kilometer toll highway connecting its capital, Tashkent, with the historic city of Samarkand. Transport Minister Ilkhom Mahkamov announced that work is scheduled to begin in July, following the selection of a Chinese construction company that won the international tender for the project. This major infrastructure initiative is expected to dramatically improve connectivity and reduce travel times between the two key urban centers.

The existing road between Tashkent and Samarkand is reportedly operating beyond its capacity, leading to significant traffic jams. The new toll highway is designed to address this issue, with officials projecting that it will enable travelers to reach Samarkand or other destinations two to two-and-a-half times faster. The route will traverse Tashkent, Syrdarya, Jizzakh, and Samarkand regions, beginning at the Tashkent ring road in the Sergeli district.

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We have completed the organizational and final preparations, selected the contractors and announced readiness to begin construction work in July.

The project carries a total estimated cost of $2.185 billion. The financing structure is predominantly backed by Chinese financial institutions, including the China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Bank of Communications, which are expected to provide 85% of the funding ($1.857 billion). Uzbekistan's state budget will cover the remaining 15% ($328 million). President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed the National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU) to provide financial support if needed and has mandated the involvement of an international company for technical supervision, quality monitoring, and review of engineering solutions.

In addition to the highway, the presentation to President Mirziyoyev also covered plans for a new international airport in Tashkent and ensuring uninterrupted aviation fuel supplies for Uzbek airlines. The transport ministry confirmed that the EPC contract for the highway is anticipated to be signed in June, paving the way for the July construction start. Regional authorities are coordinating road alignment and property acquisition for the project.

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The new project will reduce traffic jams and allow people to reach Samarkand or other destinations 2−2.5 times faster.