Tashkent Metro
Today Tashkent is the modern capital of Uzbekistan, which, unlike Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara, has preserved few ancient landmarks. However, it boasts unique attractions of its own. One of them is the Tashkent Metro, the first underground transport system in Central Asia and a popular highlight on many Uzbekistan tours.
Construction of the Tashkent Metro began two years after the devastating earthquake of 1966. The growing population of the capital also necessitated the development of a rapid and efficient public transportation system. The first metro line opened in 1977 to mark the 60th anniversary of the USSR, linking the densely populated Chilanzar district with the city center.
Construction of Tashkent subway went on and three years later this line was extended. Later the second line was put into operation and has expanded till 1991. Third line of metro opened in 2001, which connected the center of the capital with Yunus-Abad, another densely populated district of Tashkent. In 2020, Tashkent's metro network expanded with the opening of 12 new stations: the initial segment of the elevated Circle Line, which serves the southeast of the capital, as well as five elevated stations that extend the Chilanzar Line to connect the populous Sergeli residential district with the city center. By 2023, another seven stations were added to the Circle Line. As of now, Tashkent's metro system boasts 50 operational stations, a number that is set to increase in the following decades.
Each station has its own unique architectural features: marble, granite, glass, smalt, art ceramics, carved alabaster, ganch and other decorations. Lighting is also interesting and amazing: in some stations it creates the atmosphere of holiday ballroom, in others it makes you feel in mysterious catacombs. Each station is the separate place of interest.
It is important to keep in mind that the Tashkent Metro is a strategically important object, and so more attention is paid to matters of safety. As such, until June 1st, 2018, photography and filming were banned in the Metro. Now, anyone who wishes can take pictures in the Tashkent Metro. And the last, the air-conditioning system of metro always protect passengers from summer heat and winter cold. So this underground travel will give you enjoyment.
