photo: Škoda Group/Škoda's Rail Revolution: A Record-Breaking Contract with Uzbekistan
The Škoda Group has proudly announced a monumental contract with the Uzbek State Railways for the supply of 30 electric trains, totalling a value of EUR 320 million. This contract stands out as the largest ever secured by a Czech company in Uzbekistan, underscoring the increasing significance of Czech and European Union enterprises in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
The signing ceremony, hosted at Škoda Group's headquarters in Pilsen, was graced by the attendance of Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. Other notable attendees included Uzbek Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov and his Czech counterpart, Martin Kupka. As per the contract, Škoda is set to supply wide-gauge electric train units to the Uzbek State Railways, mirroring the models they currently manufacture for operators in Latvia and Estonia. Production is slated to commence next year, backed by financing from Czech banks and the support of the export insurance agency, EGAP.
Zdeněk Sváta, Škoda Group's President of the Central East Region, commented, "Being chosen as the train supplier for Uzbekistan not only validates the superior quality of our vehicles but also paves the way for fortifying international collaborations. This contract highlights our pivotal role in steering the future of international rail transport and sets the stage for a strategic alliance with Uzbek Railways. Primarily, the trains, consisting of four cars and a wide gauge (1520 mm), will be manufactured at our Ostrava facility, with certain assembly operations to be conducted in Uzbekistan."
Uzbekistan's Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, expressed his enthusiasm, "These cutting-edge trains are the stepping stones to transforming our railways and elevating the passenger experience. We recognize Škoda's immense potential in Uzbekistan and view this collaboration as the start of a long and fruitful partnership."
Echoing these sentiments, the Czech Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka, mentioned, "Actively supporting Czech businesses abroad is integral to our economic diplomacy. This contract, facilitated by our visit to Uzbekistan, holds tremendous significance for the entire Czech industry. By fostering ties with Uzbekistan, we are paving the way for other Czech companies, particularly in the transportation sector."
Revolutionizing Railways with Škoda
Škoda's modern electric units are the epitome of performance, reliability, and energy efficiency. Equipped with ergonomic seating, air conditioning, on-board Wi-Fi, and a comprehensive camera system, these trains promise an unparalleled passenger experience. Their semi-low-floor design ensures that they are accessible to everyone. Škoda's Ostrava facility, renowned for its expertise in producing broad-gauge line trains, will oversee the production of these units.
The region's railway system plays a crucial role in the trans-Caspian international transport route, seamlessly integrating with the expanded trans-European transport network. The Central Corridor remains the pivotal transport link bridging the Far East and the European Union. The Global Gateway strategy accentuates the importance of fortifying the transport capacity of the central corridor. The EU-Central Asia Summit, which took place in Samarkand in November 2022, deliberated on amplifying sustainable transport ties between the EU and Central Asia, with proposed investments in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, port facilities, and Caspian Sea shipping.
Source: Škoda Group