Uzbekistan is moving forward with an ambitious plan to reshape its capital with the “New Tashkent” project, a purpose-built city designed to meet the demands of rapid population growth while promoting sustainability and modern urban living. Launched in March 2023 under Tashkent’s Master Plan through 2045, New Tashkent is planned to cover 20,000 hectares between the Chirchik and Korasuv rivers, positioning it as a major new urban hub rather than a suburban extension.

The city is expected to accommodate around 2 million residents and generate 200,000 high-income jobs driven by technology and innovation. It will feature smart-city innovations, modern amenities, and buildings built to international green standards, ensuring energy efficiency, climate resilience, and healthy living environments.

Urbanization pressures in Uzbekistan are mounting. By mid-2025, more than 19.3 million people, roughly 51 percent of the population, are projected to live in urban areas, compared with 18.6 million in rural regions. Tashkent itself officially has 3.1 million residents, but daily numbers may be 30–35 percent higher when including students and internal migrants. The concentration of 98 universities in the city continues to draw young people, intensifying demand for housing, transport, and social services.

Sustainability is central to New Tashkent’s design. Buildings will adhere to internationally recognised standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and EDGE, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. Green roof technology, rainwater collection systems, and other measures aim to reduce energy demand and improve resilience to climate extremes. The city’s energy infrastructure includes existing hydropower, a 400-megawatt solar farm, a new 100-megawatt solar installation, and a tri-generation facility converting waste into electricity and heat. Experts estimate that even modest efficiency gains could save over 900 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Transport planning is integral to the project. A 21-kilometre metro line will connect New Tashkent to the capital, while tram lines and eight multimodal transfer hubs will allow seamless switching between metro, tram, buses, bicycles, and scooters. The city is being designed around the 15-minute city concept, making walking, cycling, and public transport convenient for residents.

Urban planners are using a radial city model to prioritize walkability and access to services. Green infrastructure, parks, riverfronts, and cycling lanes will be integrated to create a connected, pedestrian-friendly environment. A cultural island at the intersection of artificial canals will serve as a social and recreational focal point, while the city’s waterways and green spaces will foster a comfortable microclimate.

By the end of 2025, construction had reached 3 million square metres. Several ministries have started operations from temporary facilities, and infrastructure projects include a €86 million underground parking facility with automated systems, bicycle rentals, and EV charging stations. Residential development includes the 95-hectare Sharq Bahori complex for 15,000 households, while New Uzbekistan University is being built to serve 10,000 students. A 55,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium is under construction ahead of the 2027 U-20 World Championship, which Uzbekistan will co-host with Azerbaijan.

New Tashkent is positioned as a blueprint for sustainable urban development in Central Asia, combining technology, green infrastructure, and strategic planning to support Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing urban population.