Hyundai Rotem announced on May 6 that it commenced commercial operation of its new high-speed train in Uzbekistan on May 5.
The train, produced by Hyundai Rotem, is operating on the nation’s longest railway line (about 1,020 km), linking the capital Tashkent to Khiva, an important Silk Road city in the western area.
This high-speed train was developed from the distributed power high-speed train KTX-Eum (EMU-260), whose technology and reliability have been validated through commercial service in Korea. It features local adaptation, including a dust-resistant design to endure hot summer and desert conditions, guaranteeing a secure and pleasant passenger experience even during extended trips.
Hyundai Rotem anticipates that the introduction of this high-speed train will enhance Uzbekistan’s transportation system. The time it takes to travel from Tashkent to Khiva is anticipated to be shortened to approximately seven hours, roughly half of the former duration. Khiva, a pivotal city along the Silk Road and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a significant center for the recent influx of global travelers.
The launch is anticipated to create a collective growth impact for the local high-speed train industrial ecosystem. The localization of the Korean-style high-speed train was accomplished after over 20 years of continuous research and development (R&D) and stabilization efforts, a collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors aimed at future overseas exports.
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In this initial international commercial venture, more than 600 domestic suppliers of high-speed train components involved in the Uzbekistan project have showcased a reliable collaborative network and supply chain with Hyundai Rotem—from production and shipping to local transfer—on a global scale. This is anticipated to positively influence the future growth of export centers for locally manufactured high-speed trains.
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In 2024, Hyundai Rotem marked the inaugural international expansion of a domestically manufactured high-speed train by finalizing a supply agreement with Uzbekistan Railways (UTY).
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This train, capable of reaching a top speed of 250 km/h, features better acceleration and deceleration efficiency compared to the current concentrated power high-speed trains in the country and can accommodate up to 389 passengers based on the trainset arrangement. It also provides convenience based on travel purpose with three types of seats: VIP, Business, and Economy.