Uzbekistan’s President Reviews Road Management Achievements and Outlines Future Priorities
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed yesterday on the progress and future plans in Uzbekistan’s road management sector, which continues to play a vital role in the nation’s economic development. The presentation highlighted significant achievements in the construction and repair of roads and outlined upcoming priorities to further enhance the country’s infrastructure.
During the presentation, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the critical importance of roads, describing them as the “lifeblood of the economy.” Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has dramatically expanded its road development efforts, allocating 58 trillion UZS to build 2,000 kilometers of new roads and repair 100,000 kilometers, a sixfold increase in investment compared to 2009-2016.
In line with the President’s October 2023 resolution, Uzbekistan’s road management system has been significantly improved. Key responsibilities in design, construction, and operation were clearly defined, and a distinction was made between the customer and contractor roles. Modern scientific approaches now guide road construction, taking into account each region’s unique geological and environmental features.
The sector has seen major advancements, with 1,700 units of specialized equipment purchased, and new types of asphalt and cement concrete pavements introduced. These changes have improved the durability of roads, with newly built roads expected to last 15-20 years. Additionally, advanced equipment funded by the World Bank allows for non-invasive assessments of road conditions and underground utility networks.
Roadside improvement is part of the broader “Green Space” initiative, which reflects Uzbekistan’s cultural emphasis on enhancing street environments through seasonal tree planting along roadsides. The country has also introduced leasing arrangements to encourage private care of roadside greenery.
The presentation also provided details on current and future road projects. According to United Nations analysis, high-quality roads could boost Uzbekistan’s economy by 2%. Currently, six international projects are underway to reconstruct 729 kilometers of roads, with a 240-kilometer section of the Kungrad-Beyneu route set for completion soon. Additional reconstruction efforts are planned for key sections of the Gulistan-Andijan, Dushanbe-Termez, Bukhara-Turkmenbashi, and Urgench-Khazorasp roads.
Private sector participation is growing in the sector, with 260 kilometers of regional roads outsourced to local entrepreneurs. Under a project with the Asian Development Bank, an agreement has been reached to engage local contractors in constructing 841 kilometers of roads for the first time.
President Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of maintaining high standards on Uzbekistan’s international roads, which stretch over 4,000 kilometers and are vital for foreign trade. Toll roads between Tashkent-Samarkand and Tashkent-Andijan will be developed, with legal guarantees for alternative free roads. Additionally, a three-year program will be initiated to repair 4,700 overpasses in need of restoration.
To further develop roadside infrastructure, 70 new service complexes will be built along international highways, enhancing trade and services in the regions.
In conclusion, the President called for closer cooperation with international financial institutions to bring foreign expertise into road and water infrastructure projects, signaling Uzbekistan’s commitment to maintaining its momentum in infrastructure development.
