Uzbekistan intends to carry out comprehensive modernization of 400 mahallas in Tashkent by 2030, as well as increase the capacity of schools and kindergartens by implementing major urban development projects. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed these initiatives on October 14, which included plans to improve the social and engineering infrastructure of the capital.
The projects include updating districts based on the concept of 15-minute accessibility, constructing educational institutions, and creating a new business center in the Uchtepa district.
Mahalla Concept with 15-Minute Accessibility
One of the projects presented to the President is the comprehensive modernization of the Vatandosh, Mokhinur, Al-Bukhari, and Tong mahallas in the Yashnabad district. These four quarters cover a total area of 75 hectares and house 18,386 residents.
This project is based on the idea of a '15-minute accessible mahalla,' where essential services, medical and educational institutions, shops, household services, sports grounds, and recreation areas should be reachable on foot in a short time.
Planned improvements include increasing green spaces, creating a three-kilometer embankment, renovating children's playgrounds and sports fields, and building a multifunctional sports complex. Expanding existing schools will allow for an additional 2,000 student places. The construction of four kindergartens with a total capacity of 540 children and three polyclinics is also planned.
The proposed changes encompass removing cars from residential courtyards, updating public transport stops, and creating safe pedestrian and bicycle paths. Facades of 76 residential buildings will be renovated, and utility networks, street lighting, and waste collection systems will be modernized. Additionally, new retail outlets, cafes, and public spaces are planned.
Tashkent plans to modernize 100 mahallas based on the 15-minute accessibility principle in 2027, reaching a total of 400 by 2030. The program will cover heating, water supply, sewage, electricity, and gas supply networks, roads, sidewalks, lighting, residential building facades, as well as children's playgrounds and sports facilities. Plans also include increasing the number of trees and shrubs per capita to meet international standards.
It is expected that the program will create 130,000 jobs in 400 mahallas by 2030, including 22,000 jobs in 100 mahallas in 2027. Banks will support this initiative by developing and implementing standardized business projects for entrepreneurs.
Expanding School Capacity
The growth of Tashkent's population increases the demand for school places. A deficit of 141,000 places was estimated for the 2025/2026 academic year. Over the next five years, an additional 71,000 students, or 14%, are expected to join. By the 2030/2031 academic year, the shortage could reach 212,000.
To eliminate this deficit, the government plans to create 48,000 additional school places using the republican budget and another 78,000 from the local budget. It is expected that the school occupancy rate will decrease from the current level of 1.4 to 1.2.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, plans have been developed to build 24 new schools with a total area of 64,600 square meters and a capacity for 38,000 students. Seventeen new standard design solutions will be implemented. These will include additional learning spaces, libraries, multi-purpose halls for sports and cultural events, and staff rooms. The buildings will also be equipped with ramps and elevators, inclusive education classes, medical points, and measures to improve safety and energy efficiency.
According to calculations, motion and water consumption sensors can reduce electricity use by up to 20% and water consumption by up to 10%. The new design solutions are expected to save 50% of the land area, increase space utilization per student by 15%, and triple the area allocated for sports grounds. The overall efficiency of standard school projects is projected to grow by 40%.
The government also intends to establish cooperation between private educational centers and state schools, allowing students to prepare for university entrance and study foreign languages directly at their schools.
Plans to Add 40,000 Places in Kindergartens
There are 253,000 children aged three to seven living in Tashkent. Preschool education coverage is 79.2%, while the kindergarten place deficit is estimated at 65,000.
By 2030, the city plans to add 8,000 places from the republican budget and another 32,000 from the local budget. Preschool education coverage is expected to increase to 92%.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, plans have been developed to open 28 new kindergartens based on five types of projects. These institutions will cover a total area of 32,000 square meters and provide 16,000 places. Fourteen new standard design solutions will be introduced to support children's development and health. These include sensory rooms, speech therapist offices, rooms for psychological and educational support, medical points, and halls for various activities.
The plans also include video surveillance systems and impact-absorbing coatings to enhance child safety, as well as air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. The use of energy-efficient lighting and solar panels is anticipated. These measures are expected to increase the efficiency of standard kindergarten design solutions by 38%.
Uchtepa City and New Public Spaces
The presentation also featured Uchtepa City—a modern business center planned for the Uchtepa district, which is expected to be financed by foreign direct investment.
The complex will cover 37 hectares and will be developed in two stages. In the first stage, the investor plans to invest 1 billion US dollars in the development of 26 hectares. The remaining 11 hectares are designated for residential buildings and service facilities in the second stage.
The center is expected to include high-rise residential buildings, offices, a shopping and entertainment complex, an internationally branded hotel, and an embankment. Mirziyoyev was also shown the architectural concept for the Uzbekistan-Turkey Friendship Park and Atatürk Street.
Following the presentation, the President instructed officials to refine the projects, taking into account residents' needs and urban planning requirements.