Why is traveling on the Termez-Sariosiyo train difficult? Gazeta report
At the end of summer, a video circulated showing people unable to find seats on the Termiz-Sariosiyo train, standing in the aisles. Uzbekistan Railways emphasized that this train "operates on the principle of public transport." A Gazeta correspondent investigated the real situation and prepared a report from that train.
Why is it difficult to travel on the Termez-Sariosiyo train? Gazeta report
At the end of August, a video circulated showing people suffering from the scorching heat, unable to find seats, and standing in the aisles on the Termez-Sariosiyo passenger train.
Responding to this recurring annual situation, the press service of Uzbekistan Railways stated that this train "operates on the principle of public transport," explaining that tickets are sold without seat numbers, and passengers occupy any vacant seats they find.
On August 11, the khokim (governor) of Surxondaryo region, Ulugbek Kosimov, sharply criticized the state of railway transport and the unbearable conditions in the carriages.
"It is impossible to transport people on the 'suburban' trains running from Termez to Sariosiyo. The transport prosecutor is just a spectator. There are absolutely no conditions. How are you transporting people then? Are you transporting people, taking their money, or is it free? Why is the transport prosecutor a spectator? Why is the rule of law not ensured there? Why are measures not being taken? Where is the transport department looking?" the regional leader said.
On August 17, a report broadcast on the "Surxondaryo" TV channel discussed the conditions created for passengers on the Termez-Sariosiyo train.
In particular, it was mentioned that fans had been installed in the carriages so that passengers would not suffer in the hot weather.
However, on August 24, a video circulated showing that there was not enough space for passengers in the carriages of this very train, and they were left standing in the aisles due to the hot weather.
Since such videos continued to spread even after the regional khokim's criticism of the railways, it became necessary to investigate the actual situation on the train.
As this fell on a Friday of the week, it was not that crowded. This is because the train fills up with passengers on Fridays and Saturdays when coming from Termez, and on Sundays and Mondays when going to Termez. Also, during weekends and holidays, the traffic increases relatively because the majority of passengers are students.
The train runs 3 times a day from Termez to Sariosiyo at 06:32, 13:01, and 18:00, and from Sariosiyo to Termez at 03:45, 10:54, and 17:46. It reaches its destination in an average of 3.5 to 4 hours.