Reviving Trams and Tackling Traffic Congestion: An Interview with the Transport Minister
In a recent interview, the Minister of Transport, Ilhom Mahkamov, discussed various pressing issues in the transport sector in Uzbekistan. The interview, which took place during a panel session on October 18 in Tashkent, focused on reforms in the transportation sector and the role of public-private partnership projects.
One of the key issues addressed by Mahkamov was the growing problem of traffic congestion in the capital city. He acknowledged that while congestion cannot be completely eliminated, efforts can be made to slow down its acceleration. Mahkamov attributed the increasing congestion to the rise in private vehicle use, which has surpassed the capacity of existing road infrastructure. He emphasized the need to make public transportation more attractive in order to encourage more people to use it.
When asked about the potential return of the tram system in Tashkent, Mahkamov confirmed that the project is still being considered. However, due to the need to allocate resources to more immediate infrastructure projects, the tram project is being approached gradually. The minister assured that the technical and economic feasibility of the project is currently being developed.
Mahkamov also addressed the issue of drivers violating public transport lanes, stating that stricter penalties will be imposed on offenders. Collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs is underway to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of the rules governing bus lanes.
Lastly, the minister discussed efforts to improve the quality of passenger services on Uzbekistan’s railways. He mentioned initiatives to enhance the standard of rail travel, particularly in passenger train wagons. Mahkamov also addressed concerns about the absence of government ministers at press conferences, attributing it to various reasons.
Overall, the interview shed light on the challenges faced by the transport sector in Uzbekistan and the ongoing efforts to address them through infrastructure improvements, stricter enforcement of rules, and public engagement. The minister’s remarks indicated a commitment to tackling these issues and improving the overall transportation system in the country.
