Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 25 October, the reconstructed 240-kilometer section of the Kungrad–Beyneu highway was officially commissioned. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the ceremonial event dedicated to this occasion.

This road is part of a strategic highway connecting Uzbekistan with European countries. However, due to long-term use and the sharply continental climate of the region, it had fallen into disrepair. Consequently, a project costing US$323 million was implemented to modernize it.

During the ceremony, the head of state emphasized the road’s importance to the country.

— Now, the distance for international transport through Uzbekistan will be reduced to 1,000 kilometers, and transportation costs will decrease by 25 percent. This road will become a vital part of the logistics network, reliably connecting our country to European markets through the ports of the Caspian and Black Seas. It should also be noted that the daily transport flow along the international corridor "A-380," which passes through Uzbekistan, will triple, — stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The road meets global standards and ensures safe passenger and cargo transportation.

Previously, other sections of the international highway Guzar–Bukhara–Nukus–Beyneu were also renovated. On February 29 of this year, a new bridge over the Amu Darya River was opened, connecting Karakalpakstan with Khorezm. Such projects facilitate the movement of people, enhance economic activity, and give new impetus to entrepreneurship development.

According to estimates, more than 200 trading and service facilities and industrial enterprises will emerge along the new road. This will initially create 2,000 jobs, with an additional 5,000 jobs expected later. Thus, a solid foundation will be laid for increasing transit and other services in Karakalpakstan by US$200 million annually and boosting export volumes by at least US$300 million.

The lives of over 1 million residents in the Turkul, Ellikkala, Beruniy, Nukus, Khodjeyli, Shumanay, Kanlykul, Karauzyak, and Kungrad districts, through which this highway passes, will significantly change.

The president expressed gratitude to the builders and workers involved in the project, as well as to the Asian Development Bank and contractors from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, as well as consultants from South Korea and Italy.

— Building roads and bridges, bringing people closer together, and alleviating their concerns are among the most noble endeavors. In the road builders, we see hardworking individuals who deserve the respect and gratitude of the people. May the economic potential of New Uzbekistan grow, and may such good deeds multiply, contributing to the well-being of our people, — emphasized the head of state.

Participants from both ends of this 240-kilometer road connected via a telebridge — from the Kungrad district of Karakalpakstan and the "Davud-Ota" customs post on the border with Kazakhstan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially inaugurated the road and congratulated compatriots on this significant event.

Representatives of state institutions and the public also participated in the ceremony.

Additionally, the president was presented with a monitoring system for engineering structures. Electronic sensors will be installed at certain sections of strategic bridges to enable constant monitoring of their strength and quality. In case of any deviations from the norm, the issue will be promptly identified and resolved. This will ensure the long-lasting and quality operation of the bridges.

The system will also save costs: about 20 types of reports will be transitioned from paper to electronic format. Monitoring data will be stored for up to 30 years. The first such project has been implemented at the new overpass on Babur Street, leading to Tashkent International Airport. During the ceremony, this transportation interchange was also inaugurated.

The total length of the overpass is 702 meters, with a width of 46 meters. Two cloverleaf and four curved exits have been built, effectively connecting with the Small Ring Road and Sadik Talipov Street. This eliminated the need for U-turns and eased vehicle movement. Overall, this transport hub can handle 5,000 vehicles per hour and 132,000 vehicles daily.

The president noted the need to implement this system at 114 overpasses in the capital, and subsequently in all regions.

It is worth noting that over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has reconstructed 2,000 kilometers and repaired 100,000 kilometers of roads. Importantly, the quality of work has significantly improved, with the widespread use of new types of polymer concrete and cement concrete surfaces, extending the lifespan of roads by 1.5 times.

In collaboration with foreign companies, 10 major projects for the construction of an additional 1,000 kilometers of roads are planned for next year.