Uzbekistan’s Vision for a Modern and Sustainable Transport Network
Uzbekistan, a doubly landlocked nation at the heart of Central Asia, is on an ambitious mission to reinvent its transport sector.
Insights from the Asian Development Bank blog Transport Solutions to Unlock the Landlocked, authored by Alvin Mejia, James Leather, and Sudhir Gota, reveal how rail electrification, road modernisation, and fuel diversification are forming the backbone of this transformation. The goal is clear: to position Uzbekistan as the region’s premier transit hub and lift it to upper-middle-income status by the end of the decade.
Transport is already a key economic driver. It contributes around 8% to GDP and employs more than a million people. Labour productivity in the sector has tripled over the past 30 years. Yet, despite this progress, performance still trails the average in Asia and the Pacific. The gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Roads Networks Under Pressure
Roads dominate Uzbekistan’s transport network, accounting for 97% of infrastructure. Impressively, 95% are paved and 83% are in good condition. However, road density lags behind developed nations. Past strategies have focused heavily on expansion rather than maintenance, creating long-term sustainability concerns.
While the government collects substantial fuel taxes and duties, these revenues are not earmarked specifically for road upkeep. This funding gap could undermine ambitions to expand and modernise the network.
The challenge ahead is significant. By 2030, freight growth will require the road network to expand by more than five times. By 2050, it will need to grow thirteenfold. Without timely investment and maintenance, congestion and deterioration could erode economic gains.
Railways Electrification and Renewal
Railways make up just 3% of Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure, yet they play an outsized role in logistics efficiency. Over half of the country’s 4,718 km of heavy rail is electrified—a rare achievement in the region. However, 90% of rolling stock is nearing the end of its service life and will require replacement within the next decade.
Rail expansion is critical for overcoming the ‘tyranny of distance’. Long-haul freight is far more efficient by rail, reducing both costs and emissions. Electrification, combined with modern rolling stock, could position Uzbekistan as a low-carbon freight leader in Central Asia.
Urban Transit
Tashkent’s Metro has almost doubled in length since 2017, showing a commitment to public transport. Yet, with just 4 km of urban rapid transit per million inhabitants, Uzbekistan still lags far behind Asian and European averages. Closing this gap will require substantial investment in both infrastructure and rolling stock.
Urban strategies are shifting towards reducing private car use, expanding bus and metro networks, and promoting cycling. A landmark policy change in February 2024 scrapped labour restrictions preventing women from driving heavy vehicles—a move towards inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Aviation and Global Connectivity
The aviation sector is on a steady upward trajectory. International air links have improved, though Uzbekistan’s role as a major transit hub for air travel remains nascent. Continued airport modernisation could unlock new trade and tourism opportunities, adding another layer to its transit ambitions.
Logistics and Supply Chain Performance
Uzbekistan’s Logistics Performance Index ranking has jumped from 129th in 2014 to 88th in 2023. The target is a top 50 position—a leap that will require streamlined customs, improved warehousing, and better integration between transport modes.
The Energy Transition in Transport
Transport energy demand has grown at an astonishing 12% annually since 2010, one of the highest rates globally. Roads consume 97% of transport energy, and road transport accounts for 98% of total sector emissions. Yet, Uzbekistan has made impressive strides in fuel diversification. Natural gas now powers 57% of transport, up from just 2.7% in 2010—one of the fastest shifts in the world.
The government is pushing towards electric vehicle adoption, supported by emerging local manufacturing partnerships. However, recent increases in import fees for electric vehicles may redirect momentum towards domestic production. It’s a calculated gamble that could pay off if local capacity develops quickly.
Tackling Safety and Environmental Concerns
Road safety remains a pressing challenge, with crashes costing around 3% of GDP annually. Air quality indicators show mixed results: PM10 emissions from transport have declined, but nitrogen oxide levels have risen since 2015.
Reducing emissions and improving safety are integral to the new transport strategy. This includes upgrading roads to meet all-season standards for 85% of rural routes by 2035, further rail electrification, and policies to curb private vehicle use in cities.
A Blueprint for Other Landlocked Nations
Uzbekistan is targeting a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 2030, with transport central to the effort. The strategy is clear: invest in resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure, while diversifying transport energy sources.
For other landlocked countries, Uzbekistan’s approach offers valuable lessons:
- Balance network expansion with maintenance funding
- Leverage rail for long-distance freight efficiency
- Integrate urban public transit to reduce congestion and emissions
- Prioritise fuel diversification to manage environmental impacts
Moving Forward with Confidence
Uzbekistan’s journey is far from over, but its transport sector reforms show how even the most geographically challenged nations can unlock growth through connectivity. By combining infrastructure investment, policy reform, and environmental responsibility, Uzbekistan is building a future where distance is no longer destiny.
Its example is proof that with the right strategy and commitment, landlocked nations can break through economic barriers and chart a more connected, prosperous path.
