Uzbekistan Unveils $30 Billion Vision for New Tashkent City

A major urban development project is set to redefine the landscape of Uzbekistan. The government has announced plans for “New Tashkent,” a visionary city aimed at housing millions and establishing a center for innovation and sustainability. The project, which will span 20,000 hectares between the Karasuv and Chirchik rivers, comes with a significant investment of approximately $30 billion (£22 billion).

This ambitious endeavor seeks to create a “digital twin” of Uzbekistan’s historic capital, addressing systemic issues like inadequate infrastructure and pollution that plague “Old Tashkent.” As of July 2025, the population of Old Tashkent is estimated at around 3.1 million, making it the most populous city in Central Asia. The new city aims to alleviate this overpopulation by relocating administrative and cultural sites.

Innovative Design and Functionality

Among the highlights of the New Tashkent project are the Tashkent Twin City Towers, which could soar to 575 meters, positioning them among the tallest buildings in the world if completed. The master plan, developed by Parametric Architecture, is focused on creating a “resilient and future-proofed urban framework.” The design will utilize natural mountain airflows and local hydrology to combat urban heat islands.

Additionally, the development will embrace a “15-minute city” model, ensuring that residents can access essential services, such as schools, healthcare, and retail, within a quarter of an hour. The city will be managed through advanced digital twin technology, a real-time, data-driven virtual replica that integrates 2D and 3D urban analyses, geolocated renders, and forecasting tools, according to Parametric Architecture.

The construction timeline stretches to 2045, with the initial phase, known as District 1, focused on establishing its social and administrative core. Visual mock-ups showcase a futuristic design that blends traditional Islamic and Timurid architecture with modern functionality, featuring geometric arches and curves to promote natural ventilation.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ambitious vision, the project faces scrutiny. Concerns have been raised about potential water scarcity resulting from rapid population growth, as well as whether existing energy and sewage infrastructure can support such an expansive urban development.

Uzbekistan, while historically overlooked by many in the West due to its remote location, has seen a surge in tourism, with international arrivals increasing by 73% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, as reported by the World Tourism Organisation. In early 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev set an ambitious target of attracting 10 million visitors by the end of the year, a goal that was surpassed by October, driven by the “Uzbekistan 2030 development strategy.” This strategy includes initiatives such as a visa-free regime for citizens from nearly 100 countries, according to the nation’s Tourism Committee.

As the plans for New Tashkent move forward, the world will be watching how this bold initiative unfolds, balancing innovation with sustainability and addressing the challenges that come with such rapid urban expansion.