Metro

The Alay Bazaar

Tashkent Metro, Alisher Navoi station
Tashkent Metro, Alisher Navoi station

Tashkent may not boast the ancient wonders of Samarkand, Khiva, or Bukhara, but it is home to its own unique marvels. Among these is the Tashkent Metro, a symbol of modernity and the first of its kind in Central Asia, offering a journey as intriguing as the city itself.

The genesis of the Tashkent Metro can be traced back to the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 1966. The calamity, coupled with the burgeoning population of the capital, necessitated the creation of a swift and efficient public transportation system. The inaugural metro line was unveiled in 1977, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the USSR, forging a vital link between the densely inhabited Chilanzar district and the city’s heart.

The expansion of the Tashkent subway continued apace, with extensions to the original line materializing within three years. The network grew further with the introduction of a second line, which continued to evolve until 1991. The dawn of the new millennium saw the opening of a third line in 2001, connecting the central hub of the capital with Yunus-Abad, yet another populous district. The year 2020 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of 12 new stations, including the initial segment of the elevated Circle Line that caters to the southeast of the capital, and five additional stations extending the Chilanzar Line to the densely populated Sergeli district. By 2023, the Circle Line welcomed five more stations, bringing the total to 48 operational stations, with plans for further expansion in the years to come.

Each station within the Tashkent Metro is a world unto itself, boasting distinctive architectural elements that range from marble and granite to glass, smalt, art ceramics, carved alabaster, and ganch. The lighting within these subterranean halls is a spectacle in its own right, varying from the festive glow of a grand ballroom to the enigmatic ambiance of ancient catacombs, making each stop a destination worth exploring.

Recognized as a strategically vital infrastructure, the Tashkent Metro is fortified with stringent safety measures. Reflecting a shift towards openness, the ban on photography and filming, which stood until June 1st, 2018, has been lifted, allowing visitors to capture the splendor of the metro’s artistic stations. Moreover, the metro’s climate control system ensures a comfortable journey for passengers, shielding them from the extremes of summer heat and winter chill.

Embarking on a journey through the Tashkent Metro is not merely a means to traverse the city; it is an experience that encapsulates the essence of Tashkent’s progress, its commitment to artistry, and its respect for both functionality and beauty.