Samarkand to receive another 250 electric buses

 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the operation of modern electric buses delivered to Samarkand’s public transport system, along with the charging station.

In accordance with the Presidential Decree “On Measures to Reform the Public Transport System” dated February 17, 2023, road transport services are being steadily improved, and public transport route networks are being expanded across the regions.

Particular attention is being paid to modernizing bus fleets in line with current requirements and to introducing environmentally friendly transport along public transport routes.

For these purposes, at the first stage, 100 modern electric buses worth $49 million were delivered to the city of Samarkand. These Yutong electric buses are designed with 30 seats and a total capacity of up to 75 passengers.

A bus depot has been established for the new electric buses on an area of about 4 hectares. The charging station located there can simultaneously service up to 50 public transport units.

The covered parking area for electric buses is equipped with mobile repair units for maintenance. The buses operate on nine city routes under gross contracts, serving about 70,000 passengers daily.

The second stage of the project provides for the purchase of another 250 electric buses. To this end, it is planned to attract $120 million in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. As a result, fuel consumption is expected to decrease by 32,000 liters and harmful gas emissions by 27 tons per day.

Currently, 265 employees work at the bus depot. With the arrival of new electric buses, more than 500 additional jobs are expected to be created.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected the new buses.

“To increase the economic sustainability of this sector, it is necessary to develop the Samarkand experience in training specialists capable of servicing and repairing electric buses,” the Head of State noted.

A presentation was also held on ongoing efforts in Samarkand to develop public transport, including the digitalization of bus traffic management.

During the visit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also inspected the overpass at the intersection of Gagarin and Rudaki streets.

The 600-meter-long tunnel, built at a cost of $12 million, has a capacity of up to 50,000 vehicles per day.

An electronically controlled nighttime lighting system has been installed along the streets, and an underground pedestrian crossing has been constructed.

The tunnel was constructed in cooperation with Chinese and Turkish companies. Its walls were built using modern construction technologies, including drilled retaining structures.

The construction was carried out without disrupting traffic. The surrounding area was landscaped, and ornamental trees were planted.