Fares for passenger transportation on high-speed trains are no longer set by the state

In Uzbekistan, the practice of state regulation of passenger transportation tariffs on high-speed trains will be abandoned. In this regard, Presidential Decree No. 329, titled "On measures to fundamentally reform the railway transport sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan," was adopted.

According to the decision, by January 1, 2024, the following will be established on the basis of the joint-stock company "Uzbekistan Railways" and the enterprises within it:

-    JSC "Railway Infrastructure" to ensure the operation of road management, electricity supply, signaling and communication, locomotive management, a unified dispatch center, and freight stations.
-    JSC "Temiryolkargo" to implement cargo transportation services, maintain and develop the freight wagon and container economy, establish multimodal "door-to-door" transportation, and organize logistics centers and terminals.
-    JSC "Temiryolekpress" to provide passenger transportation services on high-speed electric trains.
-    As part of JSC "Uztemiryolyolovchi," "Uzbekistan Railways" LLC for ensuring the operation of railway stations, and "Transportation of Passengers Around the City" LLC for passenger transportation within the city.
-    The "Railway Social Services" institution for the maintenance of children's camps, healthcare, cultural-educational, and sports facilities.

Discounts on the tariffs for domestic, export, and import transportation of goods by rail will be canceled from January 1, 2024, and the procedure for providing them will be based on decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers (with the exception of discounts provided based on agreements with administrations of railways from two or more foreign countries).

The list of discounts on freight transportation tariffs on railways will be approved by December 1, 2023.

Starting from January 1, 2024, the practice of state regulation of tariffs for the provision of freight wagons and containers, as well as passenger transportation services on high-speed and high-speed trains, will be abandoned, and the mechanism of their regulation will be based on market principles.

From January 1, 2025, losses incurred from the provision of passenger transportation services on local routes (excluding passenger transportation on high-speed and high-speed trains) and cargo transportation services in rail transport will be compensated by decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers at the expense of the State budget.

Until January 1, 2027, a zero rate of customs duty will be applied to mechanisms and equipment intended for loading and unloading operations imported by enterprises providing railway transport services.

Until January 1, 2026, "Uzbekistan Railways" JSC and its enterprises are allowed to sell, lease, purchase, and deliver goods, work (services) based on mutual direct contracts.