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.