Talgo Wins Uzbekistan Deal: €80M Maintenance Contract Signed

Spanish manufacturer Talgo has secured its largest-ever maintenance contract in Uzbekistan, a ten-year deal worth nearly EUR 80 million to service the nation’s fleet of Talgo 250 high-speed trains. This agreement solidifies Talgo’s 15-year presence in Central Asia, even as Uzbekistan Railways moves to diversify its rolling stock with a recent order from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem.

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The landmark agreement, announced by the Spanish rolling stock company, entrusts Talgo with the comprehensive maintenance of six Talgo 250 trainsets for the next decade. This contract builds upon a relationship that began in 2009 and has established Spanish high-speed technology as a cornerstone of modern transport in the region. The Talgo trains, locally branded as “Afrosiyob,” have become synonymous with fast, modern rail travel in Uzbekistan, connecting major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Karshi.

The Afrosiyob fleet consists of six Talgo 250 trains, acquired in three phases between 2009 and 2019. These units are technologically similar to the Series 130 and 730 trains operating for Renfe in Spain, notable for their natural tilting system that allows for higher speeds on conventional curved track. However, unlike their Spanish counterparts, the Uzbek models are built exclusively for the 1,520 mm wide gauge, eliminating the need for gauge-changing technology. They operate at a commercial maximum of 230 km/h, cementing their status as the premier passenger service in the country.

Talgo’s renewed commitment comes at a pivotal moment for Uzbekistan’s railway sector. As part of a broader national strategy to enhance its transportation infrastructure, Uzbekistan Railways is actively expanding its high-speed capabilities. In a significant move to diversify its supply chain, the state-owned operator signed a USD 195.7 million contract in June 2024 with Hyundai Rotem for six new seven-car high-speed trains. To support this growing fleet, a new technical maintenance facility was inaugurated in December, equipped with 25 kV electrified lines and advanced control systems, operating as part of the larger maintenance hub that has serviced the Afrosiyob fleet since 2018.

Key Takeaways

• Long-Term Partnership Solidified: The EUR 80 million contract ensures Talgo’s strategic role in Uzbekistan’s high-speed rail operations for another decade, marking its most significant maintenance deal in the country.
• Fleet Diversification: Uzbekistan is expanding its high-speed network by bringing in new suppliers, with a recent order for six trains from Hyundai Rotem to complement the existing Talgo fleet.
• Infrastructure Investment: The recent inauguration of a new, modern maintenance facility underscores Uzbekistan’s serious, long-term commitment to developing a world-class high-speed rail system.

Editor’s Analysis

This maintenance contract is more than a renewal; it’s a strategic anchor for European technology in the heart of Central Asia’s evolving transport landscape. While Talgo cements its position as a trusted incumbent, the parallel entry of Hyundai Rotem signals Uzbekistan’s ambition to become a competitive market, leveraging its strategic location on the “New Silk Road.” For the global rail industry, Uzbekistan is no longer just a niche market but a key battleground where reliability and long-term service partnerships, as demonstrated by Talgo, will compete directly with new technology and pricing from Asian manufacturing giants. This dynamic reflects Uzbekistan’s broader foreign policy of fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with partners from both East and West.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “Afrosiyob” trains?

Afrosiyob is the official brand name used by Uzbekistan Railways for its fleet of high-speed Talgo 250 trains, named after the ancient settlement of Afrasiyab near Samarkand.

How fast do the Talgo trains travel in Uzbekistan?

The Talgo 250 trains operate at a maximum commercial speed of 230 km/h on Uzbekistan’s network, although they are designed with a top speed of 275 km/h.

Is Talgo the only company supplying high-speed trains to Uzbekistan?

No. While Talgo was the foundational partner, Uzbekistan Railways signed a contract in June 2024 with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for the delivery of six new high-speed trains, diversifying its fleet.