A modern electric train service has been launched in Uzbekistan, linking key cities across the Fergana Valley and marking a major step in regional transport development.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally took the inaugural trip, traveling from Kokand to Margilan alongside members of the public, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The new rail line connects Kokand, Namangan, Andijan, and Margilan, forming a 324-kilometer railway loop designed to improve mobility, strengthen economic ties, and enhance travel convenience for residents and visitors.

Built under a presidential initiative announced in December 2025, the project aims to deliver safer, faster, and more affordable passenger transport across the densely populated valley.

The six-car train, manufactured at a local plant in Tashkent, can carry up to 586 passengers and reach speeds of 120 km/h. Ticket prices are set at just 15,000 soums, making it a budget-friendly alternative to road travel.

Equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, climate control, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports, the train is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring lifts, dedicated seating, and adapted facilities for passengers with disabilities.

Officials say the service could transport up to 1,500 passengers daily and around 600,000 annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

During the trip, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the project’s social importance and called for the development of infrastructure around stations - including hotels, restaurants, and services - to unlock the tourism potential of the Fergana Valley.

The visit also included a stop in Kokand to inspect the new “Yangi Uzbekistan” residential area, part of a broader urban development initiative in the region.