According to the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of October 10, 2023, the sector’s management was restructured, and long-term objectives were set for road construction, repair, and maintenance. Over the past two years, 26 trillion UZS have been allocated for these purposes, repairing 40,000 kilometers of roads and 540 bridges. Foreign investments in the sector have tripled.

Nonetheless, a significant amount of work remains. This year, the plan includes the construction and repair of 7,000 kilometers of public roads and 231 bridges, the gravel surfacing of 13,000 kilometers of unpaved roads, the construction of 400 kilometers of roads with cement-concrete pavement, and the development of 72 roadside service complexes along major highways.

Responsible officials reported on upcoming work in the road sector during the presentation.

When determining new projects, special attention is given to the current condition and traffic load of roads. Currently, six major projects are being implemented jointly with international financial institutions, involving the reconstruction of 1,200 kilometers of roads.

Four more projects are planned to commence, including the rerouting of Highway A-380 outside the cities of Turtkul and Beruni, the repair of 516 kilometers of roads in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, and the construction of cement-concrete roads along the Termez – Denau and Syrdarya – Bakht routes. These projects will be financed through funds from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The Head of State emphasized that the most critical issue is the high-quality maintenance of roads. Instructions were given to develop roadside infrastructure and create better amenities for the population.

A stationary weight control checkpoint has been commissioned at the Qamchiq Pass. Similar checkpoints are to be established on other roads with high freight traffic.

It is worth noting that the current Law “On Highways”, adopted nearly 20 years ago, no longer meets modern requirements and does not reflect recent reforms or current challenges.

In this regard, a renewed law is being prepared. Among its key innovations is introducing a road activity planning mechanism to develop road infrastructure in line with the population’s and the economy’s growing needs. The renewed law will also introduce strict requirements to consider public opinion, environmental impact, and the mandatory creation of a barrier-free pedestrian environment. Additionally, it will provide for cost compensation for road restoration following the installation of utility infrastructure.

In addition, the draft law will establish a legal framework for toll roads, define requirements for the placement of service facilities in roadside zones, and regulate the movement of oversized and heavy vehicles.

During the presentation, reports were also heard from responsible officials regarding the implementation of projects for the construction of alternative roads based on public-private partnership models.