The development of road infrastructure and the creation of convenient traffic conditions remain among the key priorities for the capital, whose population and urban area continue to grow rapidly. Consequently, modern roads and bridges are being built across Tashkent, while existing ones are being upgraded to meet contemporary standards.

Shota Rustaveli Street, one of the city’s main arteries, connects several districts of Tashkent. To improve traffic flow, the section from Mirabad Street to Choshtepa Street, nearly 7 kilometers long, has been completely reconstructed.

The new layout includes 10 lanes: six for cars, two for public transport, and two designated for parking.
The President, accompanied by representatives of state agencies and public organizations, traveled by bus along the street, inspected the new features, and spoke with passengers about the improvements.

For the first time in Tashkent, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – dedicated lanes for public transport – has been introduced, drawing on the experience of developed countries. This innovation has significantly increased bus speed and passenger comfort.
As a result of the $19.2 million project, passenger flow rose from 2,500 to 6,000 people per hour. The road’s capacity reached 40,000 vehicles per day, while the average traffic speed increased from 23 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Most importantly, road safety improved markedly, with a significant reduction in traffic accidents.
Under the project, 21 new bus stops and 463 smart traffic lights were installed, and an intelligent transport management system was implemented. In addition, the street now features parking areas, bicycle lanes, green zones, and modern irrigation and drainage systems.

At the site, the President was also presented with projects to expand the network of dedicated bus lanes and to create new transport hubs around the capital.
“If we had not built new metro lines and purchased modern buses, traffic in Tashkent today would have become extremely difficult. That is why we are improving the roads and developing public transport to make life more convenient for people. We will continue this work in all our cities”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

The President instructed responsible officials to improve public transport convenience, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure effective transport connectivity between Tashkent and New Tashkent.
The renovated Shota Rustaveli Street has not only beautified the capital but has also become a symbol of Tashkent’s transition toward a modern and intelligent transport system.
Ahead of the 35th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence, a special report titled “New Uzbekistan – Center of Pilgrimage Tourism in the Digital World” was broadcast on the national television channel of Malaysia, “Berita RTM”, reports Dunyo IA.
Within the framework of the television report, Professor Badrul Bin Isa, Head of the Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Professor Norfadilah Kamaruddin, Dean of the university, presented the “Uzbekistan – Malaysia: Creative Tourism” initiative. The project is being implemented with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, jointly with the Tourism Committee and the Center of Islamic Civilization.
Initiative involves creating professional digital content about Uzbekistan’s tourism potential using “visual storytelling”. From August 17th to 31st, a creative team from UiTM, consisting of professional photographers and designers from the faculties of art, design, and media, will conduct film and photo shoots in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm. Primary focus will be placed on the cities' Islamic historical heritage and other landmarks of the country.
Prepared photo and video materials are planned to be distributed via “Instagram”, “Facebook”, “TikTok” and “YouTube”. Students from Uzbek higher education institutions specializing in design, art, tourism, and hospitality will also participate in the project. This will facilitate an exchange of experience in academic, tourism and creative spheres.
In the interview, Professor Badrul Bin Isa noted that the project is aimed at wider presentation of Uzbekistan among the Muslim population of the ASEAN countries. According to him, the digital platforms will be used to tell about the authentic historical heritage of the country, the opportunities of pilgrimage tourism, and modern transformations in Uzbekistan.
“We want Uzbekistan—a country with a rich Islamic heritage, high culture, and hospitable people—to be rediscovered by the residents of the ASEAN region”, Professor stated, also congratulating the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th Anniversary of Independence and expressing hope that the outcomes of the project would become a worthy gift for this milestone date.
Initiative is expected to contribute to the popularization of Uzbekistan’s pilgrimage tourism and attract a larger number of tourists from ASEAN countries.