Transport prosecutor flags issues in Tashkent metro overhaul project

According to the Transport Prosecutor’s Office, multiple shortcomings have been found in the preventive maintenance activities currently underway on the elevated metro line in Tashkent.

The maintenance, planned to last for three months, will cover the section between “Qipchoq” and “Texnopark” stations. Train services between “Qipchoq” and “Turon” stations were suspended starting from June 8, and from June 28, trains will also stop running between “Quruvchilar” and “Yangiobod.”

As a result, 9 of the 14 stations along the “30th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence” metro line will be out of service for a period of time. During this period, free buses will operate along the same route to accommodate passengers.

Currently, tracks and sleepers have already been removed from the initial two stations – “Qipchoq” and “Turon.”

The Transport Prosecutor’s Office has drawn attention to the works. On June 24, the General Prosecutor’s Office reported that a working group headed by Transport Prosecutor Ikrom Narimov conducted an inspection of the project.

“During the inspection, several deficiencies and errors were identified. Clear directives were given to the responsible organizations to eliminate these issues promptly, to review the works in full compliance with project standards, and to ensure timely and high-quality completion,” the General Prosecutor’s Office stated.

Ensuring transparency in construction, passenger safety, and the stability of the transport infrastructure has been set as one of the key priorities for this project.

It was also noted that “Uzbekistan Railways” JSC is the commissioning entity for the works, while “Koprikqurilish” JSC is the main contractor.

To recall, five out of seven stations on the elevated line from Qoyliq to Sergeli were opened in April 2023, while the final two – “Turon” and “Qipchoq” – began operations in March 2024.

The first phase of this metro line, from “Dostlik” to “Qoyliq,” was launched in August 2020.

It’s worth noting that the underground stations “Yunusobod” and “Turkiston” on the Yunusobod line were also closed for four months in 2023 for preventive maintenance – three years after their launch.

Meanwhile, the Sergeli line, an extension of the Chilonzor line, was inaugurated in December 2020. Although it was launched before the second elevated line (“Qipchoq”–“Texnopark”), it has not yet been closed for maintenance.