Uzbekistan Railways refutes rumors on the launch of high-speed trains to Khiva from Tashkent

Uzbekistan Railways denied the news about the launch of "Afrosiyob" trains to Khiva starting on December 7.

According to Uzbekistan Railways, these reports are not true. It was noted that one "Afrosiyob" high-speed train was tested as part of the completion of the electrification works on the Bukhara–Urgench–Khiva railway section.

"This stage is part of the program to test the new route and check the readiness of the infrastructure for full operation," the report said.

The statement calls on all social media users to be cautious when obtaining and spreading such information.

It was reported in 2021 that a high-speed Afrosiyob train service would be launched between Bukhara and Khiva. At that time, the Asian Development Bank approved a $162 million loan to electrify the 465-kilometer railway line connecting major cities in western Uzbekistan, improve railway services, and promote trade and tourism in the region.