Škoda Group has announced that it has won a €320 million contract to supply 30 electric trains to Uzbekistan Railways.

The agreement is the largest contract ever awarded by Uzbekistan to a Czech company. The contract signing was held at Škoda Group’s headquarters in Pilsen and was attended by Uzbek Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov and his Czech counterpart Martin Kupka.

Under the agreement, Škoda will supply wide-gauge electric train units of a type that are already in production for rail operators in Latvia and Estonia. Production will begin next year, with the project being financed by Czech banks with the support of the insurance export agency EGAP.

The new trains will feature exceptional performance, reliability, and power efficiency. They will consist of four cars with a partial low-floor design for full accessibility, ergonomic seating, a fully air-conditioned interior, onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, and an advanced external and CCTV system for enhanced security.

Production will take place at Škoda Group’s production facility in Ostrava where train sets for Latvia and Estonia are currently in production.

Uzbekistan’s railway network in the region forms a vital part of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, which links into the extended Trans-European transport network. The so-called Central Corridor through Uzbekistan will complete the transport artery between the Far East and the European Union.

The Global Gateway strategy reinforces the stabilisation and strengthening of the Central Corridor’s capacity. At the EU-Central Asia Summit held last November in Samarkand the focus was on strengthening sustainable transport links between the EU and Central Asia. These would come through significant investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, port facilities, and shipping on the Caspian Sea.

Zdeněk Sváta, President of the Central East Region at Škoda Group, said “The fact that we have been selected as a supplier of trains to Uzbekistan is not only a testament to the high quality of our vehicles but also a significant step in strengthening international partnerships.

“This contract confirms the important role we play in shaping the future of international rail transport and we will set strategic cooperation with Uzbekistan Railways. The trains for Uzbekistan will have four cars and broad gauge (1520 mm).

“The main part of production will be held in our production site in Ostrava and part of the assembling of the vehicles will be held in Uzbekistan.”

Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan., said “With these cutting-edge trains, we are on the path to revolutionize our railways and enhance the overall passenger experience. This collaboration is just the beginning of a promising partnership. We recognize the great potential for Škoda in Uzbekistan.”

Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic, said “Lobbying for Czech companies is a standard part of our economic diplomacy. I am glad that our trip to Uzbekistan helped to conclude this contract, which is important for the entire Czech industry.

“The development of the relationship with Uzbekistan opens the way to this country for other Czech companies, not only in the transport sector.”