Uzbekistan is a country located in the heart of Central Asia. This state, formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, has a very ancient and interesting history. In addition to natural wealth, it has a huge cultural heritage left by the greatest oriental scholars and masters.
It is amazing to see how ancient buildings and modern buildings coexist here. One of the most interesting buildings in the recent history of this country is the metro of Uzbekistan.
Interesting story
The only city in Uzbekistan where there is a metro is Tashkent. The metro is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And no wonder! Indeed, the government did not spare funds during construction: the best marble and granite were used, precious stones were chosen for decoration.
The metro began to be built in 1968, although drawing projects and layouts were ready even earlier. Perhaps the main difficulty in the construction was the problem of high seismicity in this region. Remember what a strong earthquake happened in 1966, almost 80% of all buildings in the city were destroyed.
In addition, when digging a tunnel under the largest water canal Boz-Suv, numerous underground rivers and groundwater were discovered. For this reason, experts were called in: engineers from Moscow and Kiev for many years helped their Uzbek colleagues in the competent design of underground transport.
Metro in numbers
The first line - Chilanzar, was launched in 1977. Now in the metro of Uzbekistan in Tashkent there are three lines, two more are under construction: Koltsevaya and Sergeliyskaya. The total length is 36.2 km, if compared, this length is equal to the section of the Kaluga-Riga line of the Moscow metro.
Transitions from one station to another in the Tashkent subway are very narrow, with a diameter of about half that of Moscow crossings. They are equipped with metal shutter doors in case of flooding or gas attack.
The intervals between trains are 8-15 minutes, depending on the time of day. By the way, the metro runs from 6 am to midnight. According to recent reports, only in 2017 the metro managed to make a profit: for all previous years it was unprofitable, as the passenger flow was less than 150 thousand people per day.
The most beautiful stations
Despite its small size (only 29 stations), the Tashkent metro pleases tourists with its unique design and truly unforgettable architecture. Each metro station in Uzbekistan has its own unique decor.
Just look at the variety and richness! Ornamental drawings on the walls, painted ceilings, ceramic inserts and patterns, illuminated chandeliers and bends, openwork capital and octagonal columns - all this creates an incredible atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.
One of the most beautiful is considered the station named after Alisher Navoi (the great Turkic poet and philosopher), it is located on the Uzbekistan line. Granite columns connected in the form of an arch seem to support the domed ceilings, decorated with ornaments.
On the traveling walls are panels depicting numerous plots from the stories of Alisher Navoi. The famous artist A. Rakhimov worked on the design of the station. This station each time appears in the international ratings of beautiful stations.
Subway stations in Uzbekistan: how to get there
The main thing you need to know before traveling in the capital's subway is that it pays special attention to safety. In this connection, 4-5 police officers work at the stations, who carefully check everyone who enters. Until recently, it was forbidden even to take photographs here in order to fight terrorism, because the metro is an important strategic object.
In order to enter the subway, you must go through two checkpoints: the first - on the passage to the underpass, and the second - at the very entrance to the station.
Next, you need to purchase a travel card - plastic tokens are used here, one fare is 1200 soums (about 10 rubles). Turnstiles of the old type are installed, next to it is the unchanged employee on duty, who will certainly help in case of questions.
Another feature can be called the lack of metro lines on the walls, they are only in the head cars. We recommend that you print the diagram and always take it with you, because mobile communication in the subway does not work at all. This is what is considered one of the shortcomings of the metro of Uzbekistan. The photo below will be the best assistant if you suddenly mix up the stations or forget where to make the transition.
New stations
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, only two metro lines were built in Tashkent. “Yunusabad” was started to be built after 1991, and was launched only in August 2001. Its length is 6.5 km. Six stations are located on it, it is planned to put into operation two more soon.
Modernized trains operate on this line, in which there are only 3 cars each. On two other lines, two types of rolling stock are in operation: trains produced at the same plants as Moscow (models 81-717 of recognizable turquoise hue), and modification trains on drawings of "old" cars.
The youngest Yunusabad line was built based on the needs of citizens, it starts from the most densely populated areas of the Yunusabad massif and ends before reaching the South Station. It is worth reading the history of the “physics teachers” subway in Uzbekistan in order to better understand the principles on which the new stations were built.
Amazing facts
Uzbekistanis consider the subway one of their main attractions, they are proud of its unique beauty and magnificent charm. Here are the most interesting facts about the metro in Uzbekistan that will complement your idea of it:
- All stations of the Tashkent subway were renamed throughout its existence many times.
- For example, the station "Bunyodkor" recently received its former name "Friendship of Peoples."
- In connection with the policy of decommunization, the former bas-reliefs depicting Soviet leaders are mercilessly dismantled, and the "objectionable" station names are renamed. One of the oldest stations, Lenin Square, is now called Independence Square.
- The rooms are decorated with themed decorations. So, for example, at the Pakhtakor station (which means cotton grower) and Uzbekistan, cotton motifs are depicted in mosaic ornaments.
- The metro of Uzbekistan is considered one of the safest, most convenient and clean modes of transport, not only in the homeland, but throughout the world!
