In Namangan, which aims to become a 'million-city' in terms of population, active work is underway to develop infrastructure and meet residents' demand for public transport. Another important step has been taken to improve the quality of passenger transportation services in the regional center.
As part of fulfilling the tasks defined during the head of state's video selection meeting on improving the transport system, the next stage of the plan involves the purchase of 12 modern 'Ankai' buses from the People's Republic of China. These buses were obtained by the company 'Malakali Auto Transport Service' using funds amounting to 9 billion soums.
A solemn ceremony was held on the occasion of the commissioning of the new vehicles, attended by representatives of the general public and active citizens. Drivers were handed the keys to the new buses at the event.
The Namangan regional hokim and senator Shavkat Abdurazzokov noted that the work on modernizing the public transport system, including the purchase of new buses and route optimization, will lead to significant positive changes in the public transport sector of Namangan city in the coming years. He emphasized that the new buses embody the broad opportunities being created for the development of the industry.
The new buses have enabled the provision of high-quality and modern transport services to more than 7 thousand passengers daily on the 'Honobod – Sherbulok' route in Namangan city. The first passengers were activists and citizens of the region. The total cost of this project amounts to the equivalent of 1.875 million US dollars, and the next stage plans the purchase of another 18 buses by the end of the year.
The introduction of new buses will improve the quality of public transport services and expand opportunities for convenient and safe movement of the population.
The Agency for Technical Regulation of Uzbekistan discussed the project to create a laboratory for testing solar photovoltaic panels. Representatives from the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning Institute (KETEP) and the Korea Testing Laboratory (KCL) participated in the work.
This project is being implemented with the support of a grant from the Government of the Republic of Korea and is scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2029. The creation of the new laboratory is intended to strengthen the technical infrastructure of the renewable energy sector in Uzbekistan.
The new laboratory will significantly expand the capabilities for testing and evaluating solar panels produced by local manufacturers or imported into the country, ensuring compliance with international standards. Within the framework of the project, international IEC standards for testing solar photovoltaic panels will be implemented, modern testing methodologies will be mastered, high-precision equipment will be provided, and national specialists will undergo professional development.
According to experts, establishing this laboratory is critically important for harmonizing the country's technical regulation system with international practices. It will also help guarantee the quality and safety of products in the field of renewable energy, as well as increase the competitiveness of local manufacturers in external markets.
Thus, this partnership between Uzbekistan and Korea lays a solid foundation for forming a modern testing infrastructure in the field of 'green' energy and implementing innovative technologies, contributing to the production of products that meet global standards.
As part of large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the urban and transport infrastructure in New Uzbekistan, projects to improve public transport are being implemented sequentially. State policy pays great attention to creating a safe, fast, and convenient transport system, reducing traffic jams, and ensuring environmental sustainability that meets modern requirements.
The comprehensive transport transformations taking place in the old city of Bukhara are a practical embodiment of these goals and mark a new stage in shaping the modern appearance of the city. This year, the Main Plan for Transport and Road Transport Infrastructure development was developed for the city of Bukhara. Based on this strategic document, extensive work is underway to fundamentally improve the public transport system, reduce congestion, and provide quality transport services to the population.
The project plans to create 21 new bus routes. Additionally, transport interchange hubs are being installed in densely populated areas, opening up new opportunities for passengers to move quickly and conveniently between different points. For intelligent traffic management, the 'Smart Traffic Light' system is being installed at 113 intersections in the city. This system allows for automatic regulation of traffic flows, reduction of traffic jams, and prioritization of public transport.
Furthermore, separate lanes for buses are being organized on seven central streets in the city, such as Muhammad Iqbal, Ibn Sina, Islam Karimov, Mirdustim, Gijduvon, Bahauddin Naqshband, and Mustaqillik. This guarantees that buses run on schedule, saving time for passengers. Work on renewing the public transport fleet is also proceeding at an accelerated pace. To ensure a higher quality of service for residents and guests of the region, 76 modern buses manufactured in China have been delivered to Bukhara by local entrepreneurs.
At the handover ceremony of the new vehicles, the head of Bukhara Region, Botir Zaripov, emphasized that this is a worthy gift for the citizens and visitors. According to the regional head, a total of 101 modern buses will be purchased for Bukhara Region during 2026. The first 25 of them were put into operation in February of this year by the company 'Bux Pit-Stop NGP' on routes No. 13 'Madaniyat' — 'Toqimachı' and No. 15 'Markazi bozor — Gurbinchha aholi punkti'. Now, both the newly arrived and previously brought buses will serve city routes based on a gross contract. It is noteworthy that these buses were delivered by local business entities such as 'Progress Mega Trans', 'Miramax Turist Trans', 'Buxaraneveshservis', and 'Miramax Travel', demonstrating the growing participation of the private sector in the development of the transport industry.
The second phase of the project plans to deliver another 86 new buses to the region by the end of the year to further expand the public transport network. An important aspect has been the introduction of the 'Gross Contract' system in public transport. Previously, drivers tried to meet the daily plan, but due to a decrease in passenger numbers in the evening, some buses stopped operating. In the new system, the driver or carrier has the right to operate according to the established schedule and cover the set distance, rather than depending on the number of passengers. This ensures stable and continuous operation of public transport from morning till evening.
As a result, residents of the city, as well as local and foreign tourists, will be able to use reliable, safe, and convenient transport services at any time of the day. Transport reforms in Bukhara are not limited to simply increasing the number of buses; it is an important step towards completely restructuring the life of the entire city in accordance with modern requirements, implementing the principles of a 'smart city', ensuring environmental sustainability, and creating a transport system oriented towards human interests. Thanks to modern buses, intelligent management systems, and new approaches, Bukhara will undoubtedly become one of the exemplary cities in the country, possessing not only rich historical heritage but also advanced, convenient public transport.
The entrance exams were conducted to select talented youth, objectively assess their intellectual potential, and open up broad avenues in modern education. This task is one of the priorities in the country's educational policy.
Test assessments were organized at the branch of the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School in the Syrdarya region in accordance with these principles for admitting students for the 2026–2027 academic year. The admission processes, which took place simultaneously across the republic, were also carried out at a high level in the Syrdarya region.
Candidates took tests in mathematics and English. The exams were organized in several locations: at the district unit of the Agency for Knowledge and Ability Assessment, in the hall of individual competitions of the Guliston Center for Training for Olympic and Paralympic Sports, at the specialized gymnastics school, and in the buildings of the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School branch in Guliston.
This year, 3633 students participated in the admissions campaign. Safety, order, and objective assessment requirements were fully provided for them. All classrooms were equipped with the necessary technical means, ensuring equal opportunities for every candidate. This has become an important aspect of the admission system aimed at prioritizing knowledge and abilities over any other factors.
To ensure the openness of the examination process, parents were given the opportunity to monitor their children's participation in the testing online. This not only guaranteed transparency but also strengthened confidence in the admissions campaign.
According to specialists, in addition to subject knowledge, candidates are assessed on their ability for logical thinking and intellectual potential. Therefore, the admission process to specialized schools plays a key role in identifying young people who will become highly qualified specialists in science and digital technologies in the future.
According to available information, three classes were created for the 5th grade at the Guliston branch, with 24 students admitted to each, totaling only 72 people. This means that about 51 candidates competed for one spot. The high competition clearly demonstrates the growing authority of this educational institution, the quality of education, and the interest in the opportunities it provides.
Following the tests, the most suitable, knowledgeable, and talented candidates will be accepted into the Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School branch.
