On 14 November 2024, Ministry of Transport representatives and other stakeholders from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan met in Tashkent as part of the collaboration between UNESCAP, iRAP, EASST and the International Road Federation (IRF) to review and improve local road design standards for safer and more inclusive roads across Central Asia.

As part of the UNRSF-funded project, the day-long seminar, which was organised by the National Autosport and Karting Federation of Uzbekistan (NAFKU) and led by the Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, was an opportunity for project partners to present the results of their review into the national (GOST-SNiP) design standards. It also provided an important platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, share expertise, and offer feedback on how the proposed guidance and updates will fit within existing national standards.

A core focus of discussion was how incorporating road safety as a core component of design standards throughout the lifecycle of road development project can contribute to improved accessibility and inclusivity, promoting sustainable cities and low-carbon transport solutions as well as good health and well-being. EASST’s Emma MacLennan and iRAP’s Albin Tharakan shared an introductory background to Safe Road Design with examples of international best practice while Albin also offered a demonstration of the iRAP Star Rating for Designs tool.

Commenting on his experience, Mr Nikolay Svirchevskiy, Head of the ‘Kyrgyz Road Transport Project’ under the Ministry of Transport said:

“The exchange of experience between specialists at the seminar created an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual assistance. The participants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and international organisations were all given space to discuss issues and express their opinions and suggestions to make road infrastructure design safer in our countries. The seminar was very informative and useful.”

The next phase of the project will involve integrating the results of the GOST-SNiP reviews and proposed updates into a draft regional standard for the whole CAREC region– 11 countries make up the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation – that aligns with the Global Road Safety Targets and international best practices for safe road design.