From discounted tickets to the AI Institute. What will change in Uzbekistan from October 1

**From subsidized tickets to the AI Institute: what changes in Uzbekistan from October 1**

On October 1, a new package of rules and support measures comes into force in Uzbekistan. The amendments will affect several areas at once — social protection and transport, assistance to businesses and specific industries, as well as the country's cultural and sporting life.

### Benefits and social support

Starting October 1, veterans and people disabled as a result of military actions, equivalent categories of citizens, as well as those affected by the Chernobyl disaster, will be able to receive free or subsidized tickets for planes, trains, and intercity buses.

The corresponding decision was made back on August 17, 2026.

The benefit provides for free or 50% discounted travel, depending on the category of the beneficiary. Verification of eligibility will be conducted through social protection information systems, so no additional certificates will be needed — an ID card or biometric passport is sufficient to issue a ticket. For flights, the benefit will apply to economy class tickets; on rail transport, it will apply to seats in common, reserved seat (platskart), and compartment (kupe) carriages. The carriers' expenses will be compensated by the National Agency for Social Protection from the state budget.

From January 1, 2027, it will also be possible to book such tickets through the Baraka social card mobile application, which will simplify the process for beneficiaries who do not use ticket offices.

### Transport and railways

In the international train No. 1/2 Almaty – Tashkent, a separate carriage exclusively for women will appear, staffed by female conductors. Only women will be able to buy tickets for this carriage, and boys up to and including seven years old will be able to travel accompanied by a woman.

In addition, starting October 1, the schedule of several trains between Tashkent and the cities of the Fergana Valley will change.

In particular, train No. 730 will depart from Tashkent at 07:20 and arrive in Andijan at 11:42. The return train No. 729 will depart from Andijan at 15:33 and arrive in Tashkent at 19:55.

The schedule of several long-distance and local trains will also change. Some of the new schedules will take effect in the following days of October.

### Business support

Starting October 1, district and city headquarters for entrepreneurship development will begin compensating part of the interest rate on bank loans for the self-employed, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. The funds will be directed to projects that create sustainable jobs and sources of income.

From the same date, special conditions are introduced for the electrical engineering industry. Enterprises will be able to receive loans for working capital replenishment for up to two years, including a three-month grace period — a maximum of five million dollars per enterprise at 6% per annum.

The National Company "Tadbirkorlikni rivojlantirish" will be able to cover up to 50% of the loan amount, but not more than 20 billion soums.

Also, starting October 1, the copper purchasing scheme is simplified: enterprises will be able to pay 25% of the cost immediately, and the remaining 75% will be transferred for them within three days by "Uzsanoatexport". The enterprise must repay this amount within 90 days with 6% per annum interest.

### Restrictions in the historical zone

In the historical part of Bukhara, the movement of electric scooters, mopeds, rickshaws, four-wheeled bicycles, karts, as well as horses and camels will be restricted.

The restrictions will apply to the section from the Ark Fortress through Poi-Kalyan and Hakikat Street to Lyabi-Khauz. Appropriate road signs and indicators will be installed at the entrances and exits.

### Sports

Starting October 1, 2026, international and national tennis competitions will begin to be held in Uzbekistan on a permanent basis.

The calendar will include ATP, WTA, and ITF tournaments, the Uzbekistan Cup, national championships among adults and youth, as well as the Uzbekistan Open and the men's ATP Challenger tournament.

### Education and science

From October 1, 2026, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence will begin operating in New Tashkent. It is opening as part of the new complex of the "Yangi O'zbekiston" University, built on an area of 10 hectares and designed to educate 7,000 students.

In addition to the institute, a Rectors' School has already been launched here in cooperation with Harvard University, and an Educational Hub is being created with Oxford University to improve the qualifications of civil servants.