Published on
December 13, 2025
Uzbekistan has officially entered a new era of high-speed rail travel with the arrival of advanced trains from South Korea, a move aimed at modernizing the country’s transportation network, reducing travel times between major cities, and improving connectivity across key economic and population centers. The introduction of these trains, designed to operate efficiently in extreme temperatures and challenging weather conditions, reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology while enhancing passenger comfort, safety, and overall travel experience.
Uzbekistan has officially entered a new phase in its transportation development with the arrival of its first high-speed trains from South Korea. Hyundai Rotem has begun delivering a fleet designed to modernize the country’s rail network, starting with the shipment of a seven-car train set on December 10. This initial delivery marks the launch of a multi-year program, with additional trains expected to arrive progressively through 2027.
These high-speed trains will operate across a 1,286-kilometer rail network, connecting key cities and major population centers. The Tashkent–Khiva line, spanning 465 kilometers, and the Tashkent–Bukhara route, extending 590 kilometers, will be among the first to benefit from faster, more efficient services. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, the trains promise to significantly cut travel times, providing passengers with a modern alternative to traditional rail and road transport.
Designed with Uzbekistan’s climate and terrain in mind, the trains are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They are resistant to dust, capable of operating in extreme heat, and remain functional during sandstorms. These adaptations ensure reliable daily service and maintain operational efficiency even under challenging weather conditions, reflecting careful planning for regional needs.
The trains are built on South Korea’s KTX-Eum platform, a high-speed model that has been in operation domestically since 2021. Known for its performance and reliability, the KTX-Eum can reach speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. Modifications for Uzbekistan’s network focus on adapting the design to local conditions without compromising safety, comfort, or technological capability.
The first phase of the project, formalized through a contract signed in 2024, includes six train sets with specifications aligned to the KTX-Eum platform and a top operational speed of 250 kilometers per hour. Uzbekistan is also planning to expand the fleet further, with eight additional high-speed electric trains slated for deployment along the Tashkent–Termez and Tashkent–Andijan routes. This expansion reflects the country’s broader ambition to enhance regional connectivity and modernize public transport infrastructure.
Complementing the rolling stock deliveries, infrastructure development is moving forward with feasibility studies for new high-speed rail corridors. One of the key projects under consideration is a dedicated Tashkent–Samarkand passenger line, with three proposed development scenarios currently being evaluated. These studies aim to ensure that future routes achieve optimal operational efficiency, meet passenger demand, and integrate seamlessly into the country’s broader transportation network.
The introduction of high-speed trains represents a major leap for Uzbekistan’s rail system. By providing faster, safer, and more comfortable travel, these trains will improve mobility for residents and visitors alike. Beyond passenger benefits, the modernization of the rail network is expected to stimulate economic activity, encourage tourism, and strengthen trade links both within the country and across Central Asia.
Uzbekistan has launched its high-speed rail era with advanced trains from South Korea, set to operate on key routes at speeds up to 250 km/h, modernizing travel, reducing journey times, and improving connectivity across major cities.
Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail program signals a commitment to adopting advanced transportation technology while tailoring solutions to local conditions. The combination of modern engineering, climate-adapted design, and strategic infrastructure planning ensures that the network will meet growing travel demands, improve service reliability, and support sustainable growth. With the arrival of these first trains, Uzbekistan is laying the foundation for a faster, more efficient, and interconnected rail system, setting the stage for a transformative era in national transportation.
