OREANDA-NEWS. September 02, 2011. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, new modern trams were launched in the country’s capital.

Trams are one of the symbols of Tashkent, captured in the first cinema reel about the city. Over the years of independence, Tashkent has greatly changed, including the city’s transport infrastructure.

According to Toshshahartranskhizmat association, which operates the capital’s public transport, large-scale construction and repair works have been carried out during the past year.

More than 16 kilometers of new tram lines are to be built in the city by the end of the year. To date, three routes have been completed. The first was the 7.1 kilometer line from the Taraqqiyot street to Mukimi street. The second line is 2.7 kilometers long and passes through Samarkand Darvoza street.

Recently, a 3.8 kilometer like was built from the Beshqayragach street to Ibn Sino residential area. Now the reconstruction of the 2.5 kilometers of car road from Fargona Yuli to Alimkent street start, with construction of tram line and related infrastructure.

Besides, tram line will be launched from the Central Railway Station to Yangiobod, as well as from Kuylyuk to Chkalov metro station.

By the end of 2012, Tashkent is expected to receive 20 Vario LF low-floor trams from the Czech company Pragoimpex a.s. The first two of these trams have already begun serving the residents of the capital.

These trams made their first run on the route from the Central Railway Station.

The passengers noted the quiet and smooth movement of the new cars. The comfortable trams are designed for an average of 140 people. The middle part of the cars has a low-floor ramp for wheelchairs and people with children’s strollers.

“These trams meet all European standards and are equipped with modern electronic control that can save up to 30-40 percent of electricity,” Farrukh Kadyrov from Toshelektrotrans state company, Tashkent tram operator, said. “In addition, they are designed to work in almost any weather conditions – from minus 40 degrees to plus 70 degrees Celsius, and can withstand voltage jumps in the range from 400 to 900 volts.”