Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 58th plenary session of the Senate actively discussed the Law "On Railway Transport."

This law reflects the railway transport system in accordance with the requirements of the modern market model.

The document aims to deepen economic reforms, create conditions for entrepreneurial activities in the transport sector, attract foreign investments widely, and enhance international cooperation in railway transportation.

The law revises the definition of "railway transport," which is presented in a new version. The railway transport of the republic is divided into general and non-general railway transport.

It regulates the use of general-use railway infrastructure and the activities of infrastructure operators, as well as establishes the rights and obligations of carriers.

The law clearly establishes tariffs for railway transport, which are freely formed based on market principles, abandoning the practice of state regulation of tariffs for services related to the provision of freight wagons and the transportation of passengers on high-speed and express trains. A regulatory mechanism based on market principles is introduced.

A procedure for compensation for losses incurred in providing passenger transportation services on domestic routes, where prices are regulated by the state (except for passenger transportation on high-speed and express trains), is established using funds from the State Budget.

The law specifies concrete directions for attracting investments in the development of railway infrastructure, clearly indicating funding sources for the construction and reconstruction of both general and non-general railways, as well as railway stations.

The law creates opportunities for implementing projects based on public-private partnerships in railway transport. The powers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Transport, and the Transport Inspection are clearly defined.

It was noted that the law contributes to creating a competitive environment in this sector, improving the quality of movement for citizens using railway transport, meeting the needs for safe transportation of passengers and goods, and enhancing international cooperation in railway transportation.

The law has been approved by the senators.