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 we alth, it has a huge cultural heritage left by the greatest oriental scientists and masters.
It's amazing to see how ancient buildings and modern buildings coexist here. One of the most interesting structures in the recent history of this country is the subway of Uzbekistan.
Interesting from history
The only city in Uzbekistan with a metro is Tashkent. The metropolitan metro is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And no wonder! Indeed, during the construction, the government spared no expense: the best marble and granite were used, precious stones were chosen for decoration.
The construction of the metro began in 1968, although the drawingsprojects and layout 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. It was for this reason that specialists were called in: for many years, engineers from Moscow and Kyiv helped their Uzbek colleagues in the competent design of underground transport.
Metro in numbers
The first line - Chilanzar, was launched in 1977. Now there are three lines in the metro of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, two more are being built: "Koltsevaya" and "Sergeliskaya". The total length is 36.2 km, if compared, this length is equal to the section of the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya line of the Moscow metro.
The transitions from one station to another in the Tashkent subway are very narrow, about half the diameter of the Moscow transitions. They are equipped with metal sealed doors in case of flooding or gas attack.
Intervals between trains are 8-15 minutes depending on the time of day. By the way, the metro operates from 6 am to midnight. According to the latest reports, it was only in 2017 that the metro managed to make a profit: for all previous years it was unprofitable, since the passenger flow was less than 150 thousand people per day.
Mostbeautiful stations
Despite its small size (only 29 stations), the Tashkent metro delights 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 track walls, painted ceilings, ceramic inserts and patterns, illuminated chandeliers and curves, an openwork capital and octagonal columns - all this creates an incredible atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.
One of the most beautiful is the station named after Alisher Navoi (the great Turkic poet and philosopher), it is located on the Uzbekistan line. Granite columns, connected in an arch, seem to support domed ceilings decorated with ornaments.
On the track walls there are panels depicting numerous scenes from the stories of Alisher Navoi. The famous artist A. Rakhimov worked on the design of the station. This station is in the international ratings of beautiful stations every time.
Metro stations in Uzbekistan: how to get there
The main thing you need to know before traveling on the metropolitan subway is that they pay special attention to safety here. In this connection, 4-5 policemen work at the stations, who carefully check everyone who enters. Until recently, in order to combat terrorism, it was forbidden even to take pictures here, because the metro is an important strategic object.
In order to enter the subway, you must passat two checkpoints: the first - at the entrance to the underground passage, and the second - at the very entrance to the station.
Next, you need to purchase a travel card - plastic tokens are used here, it costs 1200 soums (about 10 rubles) for one journey. Old-style turnstiles have been installed, next to it is a permanent employee on duty who will definitely help if you have any questions.
Another feature is the absence of subway line diagrams on the walls, they are only in the head cars. We recommend that you print out the scheme and always take it with you, because mobile communications in the subway do not work at all. This is what is considered one of the shortcomings of the Uzbekistan metro. The photo below will be the best help 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 subway lines were built in Tashkent. Yunusabadskaya, however, began to be built after 1991, and was launched only in August 2001. Its length is 6.5 km. There are six stations on it, and two more are planned to be commissioned soon.
Modernized trains operate on this line, in which there are only 3 cars. On the other two lines, two types of rolling stock are in operation: trains produced at the same factories as those in Moscow (models 81-717 in a recognizable turquoise hue), and modification trains on the drawings of "old" cars.
The youngestThe "Yunusabad" line was built based on the needs of the townspeople, 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 metro "physics teachers" in Uzbekistan to better understand the principles on which new stations were built.
Amazing Facts
Uzbekistanis consider the subway one of their main attractions, they are proud of its unique beauty and great charm. Here are the most interesting facts about the subway in Uzbekistan, which will complement your understanding of it:
- All stations of the Tashkent subway have been renamed many times throughout its existence.
- For example, Bunyodkor station has recently received its former name "Friendship of Peoples".
- In connection with the policy of decommunization, the old bas-reliefs depicting Soviet leaders are mercilessly dismantled, and "objectionable" station names are renamed. One of the oldest stations "Lenin Square" is now called "Independence Square".
- Themed decorations are used in the design of the halls. So, for example, at the station "Pakhtakor" (which means cotton grower) and "Uzbekistan" cotton motifs are depicted in the mosaic ornaments.
- Uzbekistan's metro is considered one of the safest, most convenient and clean modes of transport not only in the homeland, but throughout the world!
Memo for tourists
Be sure to read the rules for using the metro, because in case of violations, the local police can be harsh. Despite the fact that the new president lifted all bans on photography and video filming in order to promote tourism, one should be careful, especially in the city center, where the main buildings of the security services of this state are located.
In the Tashkent subway, you can often meet a group of tourists with an attendant. Usually these are Europeans who came to look at the ancient cities of the state, where civilization flourished ten centuries ago and the Great Silk Road ran. Indeed, if you want to get acquainted with the history of the metro, you can sign up for a tour. Fortunately, prices in Uzbekistan are very affordable, which cannot but please tourists.
