Listen to the article
Tashkent is moving to procure 14 five-car trains — 70 cars in total — for its metro system under a concept approved by the city kengash on 8 October. The project, which envisages financing from foreign governments and financial institutions, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
The approved concept frames the purchase as part of a broader effort to develop the metro as a credible alternative to private transport, expand capacity, retire ageing rolling stock, improve operational safety and cut running costs including maintenance and electricity.
Why five cars, not six
Six-car configurations were examined during the concept’s development but ruled out: the length of existing metro stations accommodates only five-car trains, and extending the platforms would require substantial additional investment, the document states.
The capital’s metro currently runs four-car trains. In early 2023, one car was added to each of four trains on the Uzbekistan Line on a trial basis, lifting capacity from roughly 1,000 to 1,300 passengers per train. That pilot was not extended to the wider fleet.
Seven manufacturers assessed, two submitted bids
The concept evaluated seven international manufacturers on supply costs, financing terms and their ability to provide facilities for train storage and maintenance. The companies assessed were CRRC of China, Kawasaki Rail Car of Japan, CAF of Spain, Alstom of France, Global Transport Solutions of Russia, Škoda Transportation of the Czech Republic and Hyundai Rotem of South Korea.
Of those seven, only CRRC and Global Transport Solutions submitted commercial proposals. Germany’s Siemens told Tashkent Metro that its products did not meet the system’s requirements and declined to participate.
The concept identifies proposals from CRRC, Global Transport Solutions and Hyundai Rotem as the most suitable options. Selecting the Russian manufacturer, the document notes, would avoid the need to reconstruct existing depots and infrastructure, but the overall project cost would be higher because of interest payments on the associated loans.
Technical specifications
The proposed trains would represent a significant upgrade over the Soviet-designed 81-717/714 models still in service. The new rolling stock would be fitted with 170 kW asynchronous traction motors, compared with the 110 kW direct-current motors on the older fleet. Each lead car would carry 40 seated passengers; intermediate cars would seat 44. Standing capacity is projected at between 176 and 330 passengers per car depending on configuration.
A system under growing pressure
Tashkent Metro operates four lines covering 70 kilometres and 50 stations. The network carries an average of more than 800,000 passengers a day. In late September, daily ridership set a record, surpassing 1.2 million passengers — a figure that underscores the urgency of expanding capacity before the 2027 target date.