Uzbekistan plans to build a new cement-concrete toll highway between Samarkand and Bukhara. Once implemented, the project is expected to reduce the road travel time between the two cities from the current five hours to around 1.5 hours. A new railway line for high-speed trains is also planned along the same corridor.

On November 4, 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed major transport infrastructure projects during a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Bukhara region.

Travel time is expected to fall to 1.5 hours

A modern cement-concrete toll highway is planned between Samarkand and Bukhara.

Once commissioned, the new road is expected to reduce the travel time between the two cities:

from the current five hours to approximately 1.5 hours.

The new highway is expected to provide a faster transport corridor connecting the Samarkand, Navoi and Bukhara regions.

Responsible agencies were instructed to finalize the project master plan and begin negotiations with potential partners.

A new high-speed railway line is also planned

Alongside the toll highway, Uzbekistan also plans to build a new railway line for high-speed trains between Samarkand and Bukhara.

Officials were instructed to finalize the railway project’s master plan and begin negotiations with potential partners.

Important: the cost, construction schedule and number of a separate regulatory act approving the new high-speed railway project have not yet been officially announced.

The toll highway was previously included in a state PPP program

The Samarkand–Bukhara toll road project was formally included in Uzbekistan’s infrastructure plans in 2024.

Under Presidential Resolution No. PQ–308 dated August 30, 2024, “On Measures to Develop Public-Private Partnerships in the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2024–2030,” the project was included among major transport projects to be implemented through public-private partnerships.

The resolution indicated:

an initial estimated project cost of $1 billion;

an implementation period of 2027–2030;

the project area covering the Samarkand, Navoi and Bukhara regions.

Please note: the $1 billion figure is the preliminary estimate specified in Resolution No. PQ–308. The November 4, 2026 presentation did not announce an updated project cost or exact construction schedule.

Bukhara’s road infrastructure will also be upgraded

Reconstruction of the A-380 highway passing through the Bukhara region is expected to be completed in 2026.

In 2027, work is expected to begin on upgrading a 69-kilometer section of the M-37 highway. The $200 million project also includes construction of a 4.5-kilometer bypass around Bukhara.

Legal and official basis

Legal basis: Presidential Resolution No. PQ–308 dated August 30, 2024.

Official basis: the official statement on the November 4, 2026 meeting on the development of the Bukhara region.