Korean financial institution Korea Eximbank has intensified its collaboration with Uzbekistan’s transport authorities, holding crucial discussions on August 13 regarding the ambitious high-speed passenger railway connecting Tashkent and Samarkand. The meeting brought together Deputy Transport Minister J. Choriev, leadership from Uzbekistan Railways JSC, Korea Eximbank representatives, and specialists from Saman Engineering to tackle the complex technical and logistical challenges ahead.
The discussions centered on critical infrastructure decisions, including the selection of the optimal railway route and strategic placement of supporting facilities. This marks a significant milestone in a project that officially launched its technical-economic feasibility study phase in February 2025, setting the stage for what could become Central Asia’s most advanced high-speed rail connection.
Technical preparations advance toward 2026 construction launch
The feasibility study is expected to reach completion by the end of 2025, with tender preparation documents scheduled for development starting January 2026. This timeline positions Uzbekistan to begin actual construction activities in 2026, according to the country’s financial strategy for 2026-2028. The Korean partnership brings substantial expertise to the project, leveraging Korea’s proven track record in high-speed rail technology and financing.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s transport ministry is simultaneously pursuing immediate improvements to the existing railway infrastructure. Officials plan to increase the current Tashkent — Samarkand route’s capacity by at least 20%, ensuring enhanced service delivery even before the new high-speed line becomes operational. This dual-track approach demonstrates the country’s commitment to both short-term improvements and long-term transformation of its transport network.
Regional connectivity expansion
The Tashkent — Samarkand high-speed rail project represents just one component of Uzbekistan’s broader railway modernization initiative. The country is concurrently developing international rail connections with Kyrgyzstan and China, as well as the trans-Afghan railway linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. These projects collectively position Uzbekistan as a crucial transport hub connecting Asian markets.
For international companies engaged in construction materials, railway equipment manufacturing, and transport logistics services, this development opens substantial opportunities in Uzbekistan’s expanding infrastructure market. The Korean partnership model demonstrates the country’s openness to foreign expertise and financing, particularly for technology-intensive projects. Construction companies specializing in railway infrastructure, manufacturers of high-speed train components, and logistics service providers will find growing demand as these projects advance from planning to implementation phases. The simultaneous development of multiple railway corridors creates economies of scale that could benefit international suppliers willing to establish long-term partnerships in the region. Additionally, improved connectivity between major urban centers will likely stimulate broader economic activity, creating secondary opportunities in related sectors such as freight forwarding, maintenance services, and specialized construction equipment supply.
