Uzbekistan Set to Introduce High-Speed Trains from Tashkent to Khiva in 2026
President Mirziyoyev Inspects Enhanced Rail Infrastructure in Urgench and Khiva
On May 1, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the newly upgraded Urgench–Khiva railway, where he inspected locally produced train carriages as part of ongoing developments in Uzbekistan’s transportation sector.
The recent overhaul has successfully electrified the Bukhara–Urgench–Khiva railway line, spanning 465 kilometers. Significant infrastructure improvements include the installation of 960 kilometers of protective fencing and the construction of essential engineering structures along the route.
During the visit, President Mirziyoyev announced a groundbreaking initiative: beginning in 2026, six high-speed Hyundai Rotem electric trains purchased from South Korea will operate on this newly designated railway line, which will be named after the historical figure Jaloliddin Manguberdi.
The introduction of these modern trains is set to significantly reduce travel time between Tashkent and Khiva, cutting it from 14 hours to just 7 hours and 40 minutes. The enhancements are estimated to boost freight capacity from 1 million to 6 million tons annually, while passenger traffic could exceed 3 million people per year.
"In 2026, modern high-speed trains will begin running on this route. Most importantly, in the near future, these trains will also reach Nukus," emphasized President Mirziyoyev, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving public transportation and connectivity in Uzbekistan.
The advancements not only represent a leap in the country’s rail infrastructure but also align with broader economic growth and regional development goals.
