Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport is on track to complete a feasibility study for the planned Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed railway by the end of 2025, according to official remarks by Minister Ilhom Mahkamov. The announcement was made during a public dialogue session with entrepreneurs in the transport and logistics sector on July 28, 2025.

As reported by several regional outlets, including Gazeta.uz and Podrobno.uz, the ministry plans to initiate preparations for an international tender beginning January 2026, marking a crucial next phase in developing one of Central Asia’s most anticipated rail infrastructure projects.

The proposal to construct a dedicated high-speed rail corridor between Tashkent and Samarkand first emerged in November 2023, amid rising concerns over capacity constraints on existing rail infrastructure. The corridor is designed to address increased demand for both passenger and freight movement, supporting broader economic and logistical ambitions.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev previously outlined Uzbekistan’s commitment to developing high-speed railway routes during a national address in September 2024. His announcement included new corridors connecting Tashkent to Samarkand, and further west to Navoi and Bukhara, signalling a strategic push to improve intercity connectivity and modernise the nation’s transport network.

The project’s feasibility study is currently being conducted by a consortium of South Korean companies, underwritten by a grant from the Korea Export-Import Bank (Korea Eximbank). Additionally, Turkish construction firm Rönesans Holding has expressed potential interest in participating in the construction phase, although formal agreements have not yet been disclosed. Reports also suggest that both the Export-Import Bank of China and the European Investment Bank have shown interest in funding aspects of the project.

The Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed railway forms part of a broader initiative to elevate Uzbekistan’s infrastructure to international standards, facilitating trade, tourism, and regional integration. It is expected that the successful execution of this project could pave the way for further rail developments in Central Asia and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a transit hub.

For now, authorities remain focused on finalising the feasibility phase. Minister Mahkamov emphasises that the upcoming tender process in early 2026 will adhere to international standards to attract credible and competitive proposals.