Andijan-Kungirot and Termiz-Tashkent roads must meet high demand — Mirziyoyev

On October 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation detailing the progress in the road industry and its future priorities, according to the President's press service.

From 2009 to 2016, more than 1,000 kilometers of roads were constructed, and 20,000 kilometers were repaired, costing 9 trillion soums. In total, 58 trillion soums have been allocated to the sector, resulting in 2,000 kilometers of newly built roads and the repair of 100,000 kilometers.

On October 10, 2023, President Mirziyoyev issued a decree aimed at further improving the road system. The decree clearly defines responsibilities for design, construction, and operations, separating the roles of the customer and contractor.

A focus has been placed on using scientific and modern approaches in road construction. For instance, standard project templates have been replaced by methods tailored to each region’s geological and ecological characteristics. Additionally, 1,700 pieces of specialized equipment have been purchased, improving the supply levels for road enterprises. New types of asphalt and cement-concrete coatings have also been introduced.

The newly constructed roads are expected to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, with their condition being monitored using 42 different indicators. Equipment, funded through a World Bank grant, allows the assessment of road quality and the condition of underground communication networks without damaging the pavement.

The presentation also highlighted various projects and plans. According to a United Nations analysis, high-quality roads could boost Uzbekistan’s economy by at least 2%. Currently, six road reconstruction projects covering 729 kilometers are being carried out in collaboration with international financial organizations. Notably, 240 kilometers of the "Kongirot-Beinau" road will be completed soon, alongside the reconstruction of segments of the Gulistan-Andijan, Dushanbe-Termiz, Bukhara-Turkmanboshi, and Urganch-Hazarasp roads.

Private sector involvement in road management is also increasing. The operation of 260 kilometers of regional roads has been outsourced to entrepreneurs. For the first time, local contractors will participate in constructing 841 kilometers of roads under an Asian Development Bank project.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of meeting international road standards, particularly due to Uzbekistan's strategic geographical position in foreign trade. "Our 4,000 kilometers of international roads connecting Andijan with Kungirot, and Termiz with Tashkent, must adhere to the highest standards," he said.

The President also called for accelerating toll road projects between Tashkent-Samarkand and Tashkent-Andijan, with plans to construct them in sections with heavy traffic. A separate law will ensure the availability of alternative free roads.

Currently, 4,700 bridges are undergoing repairs as part of a three-year program. Additionally, roadside infrastructure is being developed, with plans to build 70 service complexes along nearly 4,000 kilometers of international highways.

The President instructed officials to collaborate closely with international financial institutions and engage foreign consultants for infrastructure projects, including road and water networks.