New train service to connect Astana and Samarkand

The heads of Kazakhstan's "Passenger Transportation" JSC and "Uzbekistan Railways" Joint Stock Company have reached an agreement to launch a direct train service between Astana and Samarkand. The Kazakh Ministry of Transport reported this new development.  

In addition to the new Astana-Samarkand route, the two parties discussed expanding the network of tourist trains, including the popular "Jibek Joly" route that currently runs from Turkestan to Tashkent.  

Representatives from the railways of both nations also addressed several other issues, including improving the schedule for passenger trains. Notably, the Uzbek side proposed adjustments to the "Almaty-Tashkent" train No. 1/2 schedule, ensuring more convenient departure and arrival times for passengers.  

This agreement follows recent discussions held on December 24, 2024, between Uzbekistan Railways and SAMAN Corporation Jin Kang, focusing on the construction of the high-speed "Tashkent-Samarkand" passenger railway. The new Astana-Samarkand train service is expected to strengthen regional travel and tourism between the two countries.