On the occasion of the Railway’s Day, Uzbekiston Temir Yullari (Uzbekistan Railways) held a meeting devoted to the results of the company’s activity and achievements that followed Uzbekistan’s independence.

The meeting was held at the Tashkent Central Palace of Railway Men. During the meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways Company A. Ramatov, it was specifically noted that the system of the country’s railway transportation was developing consistently and efficiently under the direction of the country’s leader President Karimov.

The statistics provided by the Uzbekistan Railways’ press service, in the past six months some 27.8 million tonnes of cargo was transported by the railway transportation in Uzbekistan. This exceeds the previous year’s showings by 19.6%. Passenger transportation has increased by 10.1%. Also, in the reporting period, some 150.7 billion soums of capital investments were directed into the sector.

Over the years of Uzbekistan’s independence, 564km of new railways were built. Good examples are the projects on the construction of railroads connecting Navoi, Uchkuduk, Sulton, Uvaystog and Nukus, a route that now connects the northern and central regions of the country, and on the construction of new railway line connecting Toshguzar, Baysun and Kumkurgan (223 km long).

In the past 15 years no other country of the CIS has seen such an impressive advancement in the development of railway infrastructure. These achievements are the evidence of the country’s huge constructive potential.

The industry’s executives continue to put efforts to attract foreign investments. The programme on modernization and reconstruction of railroad between Samarkand and Bukhara financed through the ADB loan has been completed.

To make the trip even more convenient for the passengers traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand and to Bukhara, new trains Registon and Shark have been launched. Train stations are being modernized to comply with the international standards. The quality of services provided on trains on the local and international lines is being improved.

Measures are being taken to extend the service period of diesel locomotives, reconstruct platforms, etc. Andijan Mechanical Plant has produced over 50 tanks for the transportation of oil and gas products. Twelve new modern electric locomotives have been procured for the US$40 million EBRD loan.

Companies of the industry are also implementing social measures to support the workers. Thus, a hospital and a polyclinic have been commissioned in Termez.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. N. Hanov and the khokim (mayor) of Tashkent city A. Tuhtaev participated in the meeting.