Samarkand Joins EBRD’s Green Cities Program with Electric Bus and Depot Project

Samarkand Joins EBRD’s Green Cities Program with Electric Bus and Depot Project

(IN BRIEF) EBRD finances the acquisition of electric buses and the establishment of an e-bus depot in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The initiative will provide eco-friendly public transport for approximately 560,000 residents and supports Samarkand’s sustainable development goals. The project is the first under the Samarkand Green City Action Plan and aims to reduce noise and air pollution while accommodating the city’s growing population and increasing tourism. The EBRD has invested over €4 billion in 129 projects in Uzbekistan to date.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a multilateral developmental investment bank, announces that it is financing the acquisition of electric buses and the establishment of an e-bus depot in Samarkand, Uzbekistan‘s major municipality. This initiative, supported by a long-term sovereign loan of up to US$ 49 million, will enable nearly 560,000 residents to benefit from eco-friendly public transportation. Samarkand is the first city in Uzbekistan to join the EBRD’s Green Cities program.

The state enterprise SamarqandYo’lovchiTrans will operate the new fleet, which will consist of up to 100 medium-sized (10.5-meter) electric buses equipped with charging units. The funds will also be utilized to develop essential infrastructure, including an e-bus depot, a power substation, administrative buildings, and operating and maintenance facilities.

The project marks the implementation of Samarkand’s Green City Action Plan (GCAP), a vital tool that outlines the municipality’s sustainable development vision, strategic objectives, and necessary actions and investments to address environmental challenges. Developed collaboratively by the EBRD and the city, the GCAP aims to mitigate noise and air pollution, reduce CO2 emissions, and combat other harmful pollutants. Local community engagement is an integral part of the plan, ensuring that the views and ideas of residents are taken into account.

The launch of the GCAP and the introduction of environmentally friendly municipal transport are of great significance for Samarkand, a rapidly developing city set to experience a doubling of its population due to expanding boundaries. As an increasingly popular tourist destination, the city requires modern transportation solutions to effectively manage heavy traffic in its narrow streets and UNESCO-protected historical areas.

This project receives additional support from a technical cooperation grant provided by the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and the government of Japan through the Japan-EBRD Cooperation Fund.

To date, the EBRD has invested over €4 billion in 129 projects across Uzbekistan, demonstrating its commitment to the country’s sustainable development and growth.

Media contact:

Tel: +44 207 338 7805
Email: press@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD

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