Uzbekistan launches a high-speed train between Tashkent and Khiva

In Uzbekistan, a new high-speed railway line connecting Tashkent and Khiva will begin operations on May 2.

The project aims to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and support its rapidly growing tourism sector.

The new train, named “Jaloliddin Manguberdi,” will reduce travel time between the capital and one of the key tourist centers of the Great Silk Road from approximately 14 hours to around 7.5 hours.

The service will be operated by high-speed trains manufactured by “Hyundai Rotem,” capable of reaching speeds of up to 260 km/h. The trains are designed to operate in Uzbekistan’s hot climate and desert conditions.

Each train consists of seven carriages with a total capacity of about 390 passengers and offers three classes of service: VIP, business, and economy.

The launch of the new route is part of a large-scale program to modernize the country’s railway system, implemented with the participation of international partners. The contract with “Hyundai Rotem” was signed as part of cooperation following the state visit of the President of South Korea.

The new route is expected to enhance national connectivity and improve access to Khiva, one of the best-preserved historic cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is worth noting that tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan continue to grow. According to UN Tourism, international arrivals increased by 14% in 2025. The authorities plan to attract up to 12 million foreign tourists in 2026 and reach 20 million by 2030.