Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Experts from the Yuksalish movement have conducted a public review of the draft presidential decree aimed at addressing Tashkent’s transport issues and have drawn a worrying conclusion.

Instead of delivering a breakthrough solution to the city’s traffic congestion, the reform could result in the creation of a bloated structure with vague responsibilities, a large budget, and significant corruption risks.

The draft decree, titled "On Additional Measures to Improve the Management of the Transport System of Tashkent City and Prevent Traffic Jams", was developed by the Tashkent city administration in cooperation with several ministries. Its stated goals include modernizing transportation, implementing digital governance, improving public transit, and restoring order to the roads.

However, Yuksalish experts warn that the document contains numerous flaws. Rather than offering clear and actionable mechanisms, it relies on vague language and includes potential loopholes, raising concerns about transparency and the authenticity of its digital ambitions.

A major point of concern is the planned establishment of the Tashkent Traffic Management Center. Although formally registered as a limited liability company, it is, in essence, a new quasi-state entity that will control all transport flows, develop regulations, and coordinate all stakeholders in the sector. Yet, the draft fails to define the center's functions, accountability, or decision-making processes. It already earmarks a 90 billion soum budget—50 billion of which will come from the state.

Yuksalish warns that this could lead to duplicated responsibilities, increased bureaucracy, and the creation of a middleman layer between authorities and actual service providers—conditions ripe for corruption and inefficiency.

Particularly troubling are the provisions giving the center authority to approve or block construction projects, advertising placements, road upgrades, and even contractor payments, all without clear procedural guidelines—further increasing the risk of misuse.

The additional creation of a Deputy Hokim for Transport and a supporting secretariat is also criticized for adding complexity to an already cumbersome management structure, potentially slowing down reform progress.

In response, Yuksalish experts propose a radical revision of the project:

Transform the new center into a fully-fledged state agency with clearly defined responsibilities and accountability.

Remove unrelated tasks and focus strictly on transportation issues.

Develop a real strategy for pedestrian, bicycle, and public transport development.

Define transparent procedures for contractor selection and funding mechanisms.

Ensure continuous public oversight at every stage of implementation.

As the nation’s largest city and economic hub, Tashkent cannot afford to let its traffic congestion and chaotic transport infrastructure hinder its development. Experts stress that the reform must be deep, honest, and effective—not a bureaucratic shell filled with vague objectives and unjustified expenditures.