Uzbekistan continues to modernize its rail transport sector and strengthen cooperation with European rolling stock manufacturers. The latest development comes through an agreement signed between Czech company Škoda Transportation and Suburban Passenger Transportation, a subsidiary of Uzbekistan Railways (Uzbekiston Temir Yollari).
According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, the agreement provides for the delivery of ten modern electric trains designed for suburban passenger services.
In addition to supplying rolling stock, the parties have agreed to establish a joint venture in Uzbekistan dedicated to the maintenance and servicing of the trains. The initiative is expected to improve local technical support capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The value of the contract and the delivery schedule have not yet been officially disclosed.
Cooperation Expands Beyond Train Deliveries
The partnership between Uzbekistan and Škoda Group has been developing for several years. In October 2025, the Czech manufacturer announced plans to establish a joint railway assembly enterprise in Uzbekistan.
At the time, the proposed venture was expected to focus on maintenance and repair services while also creating a Škoda Academy to train local railway specialists. The educational center would help develop expertise in modern railway technologies and rolling stock maintenance.
Another milestone in the cooperation was reached in April 2026, when Uzbekistan Railways signed an agreement with the Czech side worth approximately 3 billion Czech koruna, equivalent to around $144 million.
The partnership has not been without challenges. In January 2026, reports indicated that Škoda Group had not delivered any of the 30 electric trains included in a contract signed in October 2023.
Despite these delays, Uzbek authorities remain confident about the project’s future. In early June 2026, the country’s Minister of Transport stated that the first Škoda-built electric trains are expected to arrive in Uzbekistan in 2027.
Industry experts note that upgrading suburban rail services is a key component of Uzbekistan’s transport development strategy. Growing passenger demand around major urban centers requires increased rail capacity, while modern electric trains are expected to improve comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency.
The creation of a local maintenance base is also viewed as an important step toward the localization of railway technologies and the development of domestic expertise in servicing modern rolling stock.
