A new chapter in Uzbekistan-Russia transport relations begins with the launch of the Tashkent-Moscow passenger train service, set to start on September 24. The initiative follows recent high-level discussions in Tashkent between the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

The new service will offer a direct connection between the capitals, eliminating the need for transfers and reducing travel time to just over three days. The train will also make stops at several key locations along its route, including Penza, Samara, Orenburg, and Aktau in Kazakhstan, providing opportunities for passengers to explore additional cities.

Initially, the train will operate once a week. From the beginning of 2025, the service is scheduled to increase to twice a week. This expansion comes as a result of successful efforts to improve transport links between the two countries, which have already seen a notable 47% increase in passenger traffic with Russian airlines in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the previous year.

Roman Starovoit, the Russian Minister of Transport, highlighted the importance of this development in his Telegram channel, emphasizing the positive impact on regional connectivity and passenger convenience.

Earlier, Mikhail Mishustin met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan as part of the fifth session of the joint commission between the governments of Uzbekistan and Russia. At the outset, Mishustin extended warm greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Mirziyoyev. The discussions centered on strengthening multifaceted cooperation and expanding strategic partnerships between the two countries.