Skoda will supply Uzbekistan Railways with its wide-gauge electric train units that are already in production for rail operators in Latvia and Estonia. Skoda will begin the production of the new trains next year at its facility in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The project is financed by Czech banks with support of the insurance export agency EGAP.
“The fact that we have been selected as a supplier of trains to Uzbekistan is not only a testament to the high quality of our vehicles, but also a significant step in strengthening international partnerships,” said Zdeněk Sváta, president of the Central East region at Skoda Group.
“This contract confirms the important role we play in shaping the future of international rail transport and we will set strategic cooperation with Uzbekistan Railways. The trains for Uzbekistan will have four cars and broad gauge (1,520mm). The main part of production will be held in our production site in Ostrava and part of the assembling of the vehicles will be held in Uzbekistan,” Sváta added.
“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,” added Abdulla Aripov, prime minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The rail network in Uzbekistan is an important part of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, which is intricately linked to the extended Trans-European transport network. The so-called Central Corridor represents the last remaining transport artery between the Far East and the European Union. The Global Gateway strategy emphasises the stabilisation and strengthening of the transport capacity of the Central Corridor.
The EU-Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand in November 2022 focused on strengthening sustainable transport links between the EU and Central Asia. Proposed measures include significant investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, port facilities and shipping on the Caspian Sea.