Škoda will supply Uzbekistan Railways with its wide-gauge electric train units, which are already in production for railway operators in Latvia and Estonia. Škoda will start production in the course of next year. The project is being financed by Czech banks with the support of the insurance export agency EGAP.
The units for Uzbekistan Railways will consist of four broad-gauge coaches with ergonomic seats and fully air-conditioned interiors. The production of these units for Uzbekistan will take place at the Škoda Group's plant in Ostrava, which has extensive experience in the production of broad gauge trains. The plant is currently producing trains for Latvia and Estonia.
"Lobbying for Czech companies is a standard part of our economic diplomacy. I am glad that our trip to Uzbekistan helped to conclude this contract, which is important for the entire Czech industry. The development of relationships with Uzbekistan opens the way to this country for other Czech companies, not only in the transport sector," emphasises Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic.
“With these cutting-edge trains, we are on the path to revolutionize our railways and enhance the overall passenger experience. This collaboration is just the beginning of a promising partnership. We recognize the great potential for Škoda in Uzbekistan,” says Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan.
Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov attended the signing of the contract at the Škoda Group headquarters in the city of Pilsen by Uzbek Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov and his Czech counterpart Martin Kupka.
The railway network in the region is an important part of the international Trans-Caspian transport route, which is closely linked to the extended Trans-European transport network. The so-called Central Corridor is the last remaining transport artery between the Far East and the European Union. The Global Gateway Strategy focuses on stabilising and strengthening the transport capacity of the Central Corridor. The EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand in November 2022 focused on strengthening sustainable transport links between the EU and Central Asia. Proposed measures include significant investments in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, port facilities and shipping on the Caspian Sea.
