WB has released a statement stating that its executive board has approved a $200 million project specifically for the modernization of transportation infrastructure in Surkhandarya, Uzbekistan. This five-year project will focus on rebuilding key sections of the M41 regional highway corridor, while assisting Uzbekistan in carrying out systematic reforms in the national transportation sector. It will also create employment opportunities and activate commercial development along the route.

Development of Uzbekistan's transportation industry

The transportation industry in Uzbekistan accounts for nearly 8% of the country's gross domestic product and employs nearly one million people. In recent years, the industry has continued to develop positively. From 2014 to 2023, the country's WB LPI ranking has risen from 129th to 88th. However, the rapid increase in the number of motor vehicles has put enormous pressure on infrastructure. Official estimates suggest that road capacity needs to be increased by about five times by 2030 to meet freight demand.

Highway renovation improves travel efficiency

Najy Benhassine, Director of WB Central Asia, stated that building an efficient and safe road and railway network is crucial for connecting employment, supporting domestic and international trade, and enhancing Uzbekistan's overall competitiveness. The project will rebuild 91 kilometers of M41 highway in Surkhan River Oblast, widening the two lane road to four lane road.

After the completion of the project, it is expected to serve about 35000 vehicles per day and improve the travel conditions of 550000 residents along the route. At the same time, the road surface, safety facilities, and bus stops will be upgraded, and nearly 180 bridges and drainage systems will be built and repaired to prevent floods. The average speed of the road section will be increased from 65 kilometers per hour to 90 kilometers per hour, and the traffic accident rate will also decrease. The World Bank will also assist in formulating multimodal transportation strategies and optimizing the operational efficiency of logistics systems. Keywords: WB, Uzbekistan, transportation renovation

Promote railway and multi field cooperation

This project will also assist in the reform of Uzbekistan Railways, enhancing corporate governance, financial transparency, service planning, and attracting private investment. This is also a continuation of Uzbekistan's cooperation with the World Bank. In December 2025, the World Bank approved a $250 million loan to support education reform in Uzbekistan through the Edumkon project. From 2026 to 2028, it will benefit 600000 young people and expand the coverage of higher education and vocational education.Editor/Gong Ziwei