President announces when Uzbekistan's first toll road will open

The first toll road in Uzbekistan is expected to be commissioned in August 2026. The new route connecting Khiva and Urgench will not only ease traffic for local residents but could also become vital infrastructure for the flow of tourism in Khorezm.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that construction of the project has already begun. However, the toll amount and the terms of use, which are of interest to drivers, have not yet been disclosed.

When will the first toll road launch?

On July 22, the head of state provided information about the Khiva–Urgench project during the ceremony marking the start of construction for the Tashkent–Samarkand toll road.

"We have already begun construction of the first toll road connecting Khiva with the city of Urgench. God willing, we will commission it next month," the president said.

Thus, if plans do not change, the first toll road in Uzbekistan could open in August 2026.

So far, no detailed information has been provided regarding the exact length of the road, speed limits, entry/exit points, or tariffs.

Why Khiva and Urgench specifically?

Khiva is considered one of Uzbekistan's most famous historical and tourist cities. Many local and foreign tourists arrive in Khorezm via Urgench before heading to Khiva.

The new road is expected to speed up traffic between the two cities and make the journey more comfortable.

The main significance of the project:

• Improving transport movement between Khiva and Urgench;

• Reducing travel time for tourists;

• Developing tourism services and local business;

• Testing new transport infrastructure.

The president emphasized that this route will serve not only the local population but also foreign and domestic tourists.

How much will the toll be?

Although the Khiva–Urgench road has been announced as the first toll highway in Uzbekistan, the cost of using it has not yet been revealed.

Furthermore, questions remain regarding whether the payment:

• will be calculated based on distance;

• will differ for light vehicles and trucks;

• will be accepted via cash, bank card, or electronic system;

• will include discounts for local residents —

these questions remain open.

As the launch date approaches, official information regarding tariffs and traffic regulations is expected to be provided.

What other toll roads will be built?

In his speech, the president also touched upon the current status of other major highway projects in the country.

The Tashkent–Andijan route is planned to be a strategic road connecting the capital with the regions of the Fergana Valley.

The Tashkent–Charvak road is seen as an important project due to the development of tourism in the Bostanlyk district and the increasing traffic to recreational areas.

Toll roads will appear in other regions as well

Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that plans are in place to implement major road construction projects in other regions as well.

Specifically, the following regions were mentioned:

• Kashkadarya;

• Namangan;

• Bukhara;

• Surkhandarya.

The direction, cost, and implementation timelines for projects in these regions have not yet been disclosed.

A new stage in Uzbekistan's transport system

The launch of the Khiva–Urgench road will be the first practical step in introducing a toll highway system in the country.

However, the effectiveness of the project will depend not only on the quality of the road but also on the affordability of tariffs for the population, safety, the availability of alternative free roads, and the level of service provided.

Before the planned opening in August, the most important information for drivers — toll prices, traffic rules, and exact locations — is expected to be announced.

In your opinion, what would be an acceptable toll for traveling on the Khiva–Urgench road? Leave your thoughts in the comments and send this news to your loved ones who travel to Khorezm frequently.