Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has launched a tender for the first phase of constructing a toll road that will connect Tashkent and Andijan.

The tender is being organized by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Committee of Automobile Roads. A consortium consisting of PwC, the UK-based Arup and Partners, and CMS Cameron is serving as the main consultant for selecting a private partner, with support from the World Bank.

The first phase of the project involves the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the Tashkent–Angren–Kamchik Pass section, spanning 171 kilometers. The project concept was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 21 January.

The selection process will take place in two stages. In the first stage, companies are required to submit applications for prequalification (RFQ). In the second stage, shortlisted candidates will present their technical and financial proposals. A long-term public-private partnership (PPP) agreement will be signed with the winning bidder.

Companies with proven experience in road construction are invited to participate. Prequalification applications and questions related to the RFQ can be submitted via the specified email addresses. The deadline for applications is 21 April 2025, at 6:00 PM Tashkent time.

The idea of building a toll road between Tashkent and Andijan has been under discussion since 2019. The project includes the construction of a new tunnel at the Kamchik Pass. Previously, the PPP Development Agency estimated the toll for passenger cars to range between US$5 and US$6.

As of the latest estimates, the total cost of the project, adjusted for 2023, amounts to US$4.28 billion. During the TMIF-2024 forum, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriev noted that the project is expected to take approximately six years to complete.

The construction of the road will be carried out in three phases: Phase 1: Tashkent–Angren (78 km), Phase 2: Angren–Pap (93 km) and Phase 3: Pap–Andijan (143 km).