On October 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the presentation regarding the work accomplished in the road sector and the priority tasks for the future.
Roads are the lifeblood of the economy. Therefore, special attention is paid to this sector in our country, with both the scale and quality of work increasing. Specifically, between 2009 and 2016, over a thousand kilometers of roads were constructed and 20 thousand kilometers were repaired at a cost of 9 trillion soums. In the last eight years, these figures have increased sixfold. A total of 58 trillion soums has been allocated to this sector, resulting in the construction of 2 thousand kilometers and the repair of 100 thousand kilometers of roads.
In accordance with the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated October 10, 2023, the road management system has been improved. Responsibilities for design, construction, and operation have been clearly defined, and the roles of the client and contractor have been separated.
There has been a strengthened focus on scientifically justified road construction using modern approaches. For instance, road engineers have abandoned standard project documentation templates and switched to a method that considers the geological and environmental characteristics of each region. A total of 1,700 units of specialized machinery have been procured, enhancing the capabilities of road management enterprises. New types of asphalt and cement concrete surfaces have been introduced.
As a result, qualitative changes are observed in the sector. The lifespan of newly constructed roads is estimated at 15–20 years. Their condition is assessed based on 42 different indicators. Equipment purchased with World Bank grant funds allows for the evaluation of the physical properties of road surfaces and the inspection of underground communication networks without damaging the surface.
Street beautification is part of the "Yashil Makon" program and, more broadly, a component of our culture. Every season, saplings are planted along both sides of the streets. There is also a practice of leasing land plots along roads for the maintenance of trees.
The presentation included information about projects and plans in this field.
According to an analysis by the United Nations, quality roads are expected to contribute at least a 2 percent increase in Uzbekistan's economy. Currently, six projects are being implemented in collaboration with international financial organizations to reconstruct 729 kilometers of roads. Specifically, in the coming days, a 240-kilometer section of road from Kungrad to Beineu will be commissioned. Additionally, certain sections of the Gulistan - Andijan, Dushanbe - Termez, Bukhara - Turkmenbashi, and Urgench - Khazarasp roads will be reconstructed.
The private sector is also actively involved in this field. The operation of 260 kilometers of roads in the regions has been outsourced to entrepreneurs. Under the Asian Development Bank project, an agreement has been reached that exclusively local contractors will participate in the construction of 841 kilometers of roads for the first time.
The Head of State outlined important tasks in this area.
- Given Uzbekistan's geographical position, the significance of international roads for foreign trade is immense. Therefore, our international roads, which span a total of 4 thousand kilometers connecting Andijan with Kungrad and Termez with Tashkent, must meet the highest standards, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The need to expedite the construction of toll roads between Tashkent-Samarkand and Tashkent-Andijan, particularly in high-traffic areas, was emphasized. It will also be legally mandated to provide an alternative free road.
Currently, 4,700 overpasses are in need of repair. A task has been set to develop a three-year program for their reconstruction.
In the regions, roadside infrastructure is being developed, with trade and services being organized. As noted in the presentation, an additional 70 service complexes will be built along the international highways spanning approximately 4 thousand kilometers.
Instructions have been given for close collaboration with international financial institutions to attract foreign consultants for road and water infrastructure projects.