New Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Vision for a Modern City Takes Shape

With a 20,000-hectare development plan, major infrastructure projects underway and billions of dollars in planned investment, New Tashkent is emerging as a significant urban development initiative in Central Asia

By: Hurish Shah

Published By: ANI News Agency

Uzbekistan is advancing an ambitious urban development initiative with the construction of New Tashkent, a planned city designed to become a major economic, administrative and residential centre alongside the country's existing capital.

Envisioned under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, New Tashkent represents a long-term effort to create a modern urban environment integrating government institutions, business districts, residential communities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, tourism, technology and green gre infrastructure.

The project covers approximately 20,000 hectares, equivalent to around 200 square kilometres, while its first phase encompasses 6,000 hectares and envisages development projects worth approximately $50 billion. The city is ultimately planned to accommodate up to two million residents, with around 200,000 apartments expected to be developed by 2034.

Unlike a conventional residential expansion, New Tashkent is being planned as an integrated urban centre where housing, employment, public services, commercial activity and transport infrastructure develop together. Its long-term ambition is to establish an environment capable of supporting population growth, attracting investment and expanding economic activity.

From Vision to Ground-Level Development

New Tashkent has moved beyond the initial planning stage, with residential buildings, roads, utility networks and public facilities already developed, while further major projects are under construction.

More than $2 billion had been invested in the city's development by October 2026, according to the project's development figures.

On October 12, 2026, seven major facilities with a combined value of approximately $1 billion were commissioned. These included the first phase of the Sharq Bahori residential complex, comprising nearly 7,000 apartments, road and engineering infrastructure, New Tashkent Substation No. 1, a modern trigeneration plant, the new building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sohil Bogi Park and a comprehensive school designed to accommodate 2,000 students.

The development of essential utility networks is also an important part of the city's progress. Approximately 18 kilometres of roads, 13 kilometres of sewerage networks and 4.5 kilometres of drinking-water networks have been developed.

These facilities form part of the foundation required to support future residential communities, commercial establishments and public institutions as the city expands.

At the same time, construction has been launched on ten additional major projects with a combined value of approximately $2.5 billion. These developments include the Deep Tech Park, Metropolis Business City, several residential complexes, a 120-bed central hospital and additional transport infrastructure.Other planned facilities include a new 10-kilometre road connection, a bridge and overpass, and underground parking integrated with metro infrastructure.

A 55,000-seat football stadium designed to meet FIFA standards is also under construction, adding a major sporting facility to the city's wider development programme.

The ministries responsible for construction, transport and energy are already operating in New Tashkent, while further government institutions are expected to relocate as development continues.

A City Designed Around Green Spaces and Modern Infrastructure

One of the defining features of New Tashkent is its emphasis on modern urban planning, environmental sustainability and the integration of public amenities.

The master plan provides for approximately 2,000 hectares of green areas and around 500 hectares of parks.

These spaces are intended to form an important part of the urban environment alongside residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and public facilities.

The wider development plan includes modern public transport, metro connectivity, pedestrian routes, cycling infrastructure and underground engineering corridors for electricity, water, heating and telecommunications.

The use of underground utility corridors is intended to integrate essential services into the city's infrastructure, while smart-city technologies and modern waste-management systems form part of the broader development strategy.

Energy efficiency is another major component. A trigeneration plant is designed to provide centralised heating and cooling for approximately 100,000 households while simultaneously generating electricity.

Plans also include rooftop solar photovoltaic systems with a combined capacity of around 20 megawatts, as well as automated waste collection and waste-to-energy solutions.

International specialists and companies from the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, China, Türkiye and other countries are contributing to areas including master planning, architecture, engineering, landscaping and smart-city technology.

The aim is to establish an urban centre with modern infrastructure, substantial green spaces and services capable of supporting residents, businesses and institutions over the long term.

Residential Development and Commercial Expansion

Housing is a central element of the New Tashkent development programme. The first phase of the Sharq Bahori residential complex, with nearly 7,000 apartments, is among the major facilities commissioned in October 2026.

Further residential districts, including Silk City, Mavj and Marjon, are among the developments identified for construction. These projects are intended to contribute to the city's expanding housing capacity.

However, the overall vision extends beyond residential buildings. New Tashkent is also being planned to accommodate business centres, offices, shopping facilities, hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, healthcare services and recreational facilities.

The combination of housing and commercial infrastructure is important to the development of a functioning city, where residents can access employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.A Long-Term Urban and Economic Initiative

New Tashkent represents a substantial urban development programme intended to reshape the future growth of the Uzbek capital region. Its combination of residential construction, government facilities, commercial districts, green spaces and modern infrastructure places it among the country's major long-term development initiatives.

For international businesses, including those in Pakistan, the project provides a potential basis for exploring new commercial relationships and investment opportunities with Uzbekistan.

As further facilities are completed and additional projects move forward, New Tashkent's development will remain an important area to follow for businesses interested in construction, healthcare, education, hospitality, technology and infrastructure.