Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law "On Railway Transport" was reviewed, aimed at regulating relations in the railway sector.

The bill is designed to create a healthy competitive environment, attract the private sector to the industry, and eliminate the monopoly in railway transport. It defines the rights and obligations of carriers and wagon (container) operators.

The draft law also addresses the further development of passenger transport by rail. It provides the legal framework for establishing public-private partnerships in this sector, expanding investments, and encouraging the involvement of the non-governmental sector in delivering quality services to passengers. This will create opportunities for implementing railway projects based on public-private partnerships.

Additionally, the draft law includes support measures for citizens in need of social protection. Specifically, it introduces discounted travel on passenger trains for such individuals, and persons with disabilities will be able to purchase tickets online with specific concessions, eliminating the need to visit ticket offices for discounts.

Public railway transport infrastructure will remain under state management, but stations and wagons will be transferred to private partners for construction, modernization, and management under public-private partnership agreements.

The draft law was approved by deputies in its first reading.