Urban life in Central Asia: city comparisons

The author personally visited all four cities in 2025. This article combines firsthand impressions with open-source data. It reflects only the author’s subjective opinion.

1.⁠ ⁠Tashkent

Strengths:

• ⁠ ⁠Rapid expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and charging stations.
• ⁠ ⁠Well-developed metro system and ongoing LRT projects.
• ⁠ ⁠Lower average food prices compared to other regional capitals.
• ⁠ ⁠Established aviation maintenance facilities – an emerging regional air service hub.
• ⁠ ⁠Rich historical and cultural heritage that continues to attract growing tourist flows.

Weaknesses:

• ⁠ ⁠Limited accessibility for people with disabilities – government initiatives exist but remain fragmented. Many public areas and sidewalks are still not fully inclusive.
• ⁠ ⁠Widespread informal parking along pedestrian paths and poor walking infrastructure in some districts.
• ⁠ ⁠Air quality problems and frequent dust storms. Average PM2.5 levels remain above WHO guidelines, posing health risks during peak pollution days.

2.⁠ ⁠Almaty

Strengths:

• ⁠ ⁠Extensive use of traffic cameras reduces corruption and improves road safety.
• ⁠ ⁠A well-connected international airport with strong global flight routes.
• ⁠ ⁠Easy access to the nearby Zailiysky Alatau mountains – a major draw for tourism.
• ⁠ ⁠Relatively developed pedestrian environment, inclusivity, and digital infrastructure (Smart City initiatives).

Weaknesses:

• ⁠ ⁠Heavy traffic congestion leading to lost time and economic costs.
• ⁠ ⁠Visual clutter from billboards and advertisements that disrupt the city’s aesthetics.
• ⁠ ⁠Uncoordinated construction in some areas, reflecting weak urban planning and lack of a unified city style.
• ⁠ ⁠Climate vulnerability: melting glaciers in Ile-Alatau threaten future water supplies and increase flood risks.

3.⁠ ⁠Dushanbe

Strengths:

• ⁠ ⁠Widespread availability of electric taxis offering affordable and clean mobility.
• ⁠ ⁠Low electricity and water costs thanks to the country’s hydropower potential.
• ⁠ ⁠Consistent architectural design in the city center, major new construction projects, and active greening programs.

Weaknesses:

• ⁠ ⁠Dust storms and poor air quality remain ongoing issues.
• ⁠ ⁠Weak pedestrian infrastructure in some districts and persistent traffic rule violations.
• ⁠ ⁠A tendency toward “monumental” construction – large projects often don’t match real public needs.
• ⁠ ⁠Deep inequality between the well-developed city center and underdeveloped outskirts, creating challenges for balanced urban development.

4.⁠ ⁠Bishkek

Strengths:

• ⁠ ⁠Active initiatives for waste management and recycling, including a new waste-to-energy plant with foreign investment.
• ⁠ ⁠Low utility costs for electricity and water compared to neighboring capitals.
• ⁠ ⁠Easy access to locally produced, eco-friendly food.
• ⁠ ⁠A vibrant youth scene with active startups and creative communities.

Weaknesses:

• ⁠ ⁠Insufficient investment in housing and infrastructure. Despite some new projects, funding remains too limited to address long-standing problems quickly.
• ⁠ ⁠Public transport is outdated – routes and buses need modernization; “Manas” airport also requires renovation.

Recommendations

1.⁠ ⁠Inclusion and Accessibility:

Tashkent should strengthen efforts to create a fully accessible urban environment (sidewalks, ramps, public transport suitable for people with disabilities).

2.⁠ ⁠Traffic and Public Transport:

Almaty and Bishkek need to accelerate the development of efficient public transportation systems and limit private car use in central areas.

3.⁠ ⁠Air Quality and Climate:

All four cities should implement air monitoring systems, introduce emission reduction policies, and prepare adaptation programs for glacier melt and dust storms through “green” urban infrastructure.

4.⁠ ⁠Waste Management:

Building on Bishkek’s experience, cities should invest in modern waste-to-energy facilities that can help solve landfill problems and produce much-needed electricity.

5.⁠ ⁠Infrastructure Equity:

Dushanbe should balance its large, symbolic projects with practical investments in the basic infrastructure of its outskirts-roads, water supply, social services, and affordable housing.

6.⁠ ⁠Relocation Consideration:

For Tashkent, exploring a partial or full relocation of the capital’s administrative functions could ease urban pressure and improve long-term development balance.

All four cities show strong potential for regional leadership, yet their key challenge is to improve the quality of urban life – making cities more livable, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive for their residents.