BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar. 29
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
The project for the construction of a toll highway Tashkent-Andijan with a length of 340 kilometers was estimated at $2 billion, Trend reports with reference to the Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan.
According to the representative of the Agency for the Development of Public-Private Partnerships under the Ministry of Finance, Farrukh Gafforov, the World Bank consultants have developed a preliminary feasibility study for the construction of the highway, which was agreed with the relevant ministries and departments in 2020.
It is reported that the appointment of a consultant for the pre-investment study is now expected. It is noted that this process will take more than one year, after which an international tender will be announced. In addition, during the study, a survey will be conducted among the population about the project and the cost of using the road.
Gafforov clarified that construction work will begin after a foreign investor is identified on the basis of a two-stage open tender. The winner will be awarded a public-private partnership (PPP) contract for approximately 40 years.
“Construction of a 340 kilometers long road may take 5-10 years,” the representative of the Agency said.
Furthermore, the World Bank officials estimate that highway fares will range from $5 to $7 for cars and $15 for trucks and buses.
It is reported that the president of Uzbekistan is expected to pass a resolution on this project. The document should clarify the issues related to price changes, coverage of expenses through subsidies, the possibility of establishing free travel and the formation of categories of persons who will be able to receive benefits.
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