Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed the completion of several strategically important railway projects by 2025, the chairman of JSC "Uzbekistan Railways" (O‘zbekiston Temir Yo‘llari), Zufar Narzullaev, stated in an interview with the "Uzbekistan 24" TV channel.

Among the top priorities is the completion of the high-speed railway line on the Navoi — Bukhara route within this year. Additionally, by 1 September, plans include:

Completion of electrification and rehabilitation of the Nukus — Miskin railway section;

Completion of construction of new railway lines from Tashkent to Parkent and Tashkent to Urgut.

A key area is the modernization of the rolling stock. According to Narzullaev, the president ordered a contract to be signed with the Chinese corporation CRRC Group for the delivery of 50 new shunting diesel locomotives, given that 91% of the current fleet is outdated. This year, eight diesel locomotives and four electric locomotives have already been purchased and will soon be delivered.

The head of state also emphasized the importance of digital technology development, modernization of personnel training, introduction of dual education systems, and close cooperation with transport universities. According to Narzullaev, these steps aim at sustainable transformation of the entire railway sector.

First Deputy Chairman of the company, Hikmatilla Rakhmetov, noted special attention to strengthening international transport corridors. In particular, the president ordered an intensification of container shipments along the China — Europe route using multimodal solutions and block trains.

"This involves the route through China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, then Turkmenistan, with access either to Iran or via the Caspian Sea to Türkiye and Europe. The task is to ensure maximum service quality, optimize routes, and reduce logistics costs," he said.

Improving passenger transport quality was also highlighted as a priority. The president stressed that citizen satisfaction depends directly on increased speed and comfort of travel.

Another focus is expanding the railway network in regions, especially in areas currently lacking railway infrastructure, including small towns and large rural settlements.

Rakhmetov mentioned that reports on the progress of the Tashkent — Parkent line construction, including the route through the Kibray district, have already been presented.