Tashkent Metro Explains High Price of New Escalators

Tashkent Metro in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has provided answers as to why eight new escalators for three metro stations cost UZS10 billion (US$783,961), or UZS1.3 billion (US$101,914) per escalator, UZ Daily reports.  In response to allegations of purchasing the units at inflated prices, metro officials said the heavy-duty escalators — designed to operate up to 20 h per day with a full load — are significantly more expensive than standard models. They pointed out that the actual cost of one escalator is US$55,000, but to that expenses including taxes, transportation, customs duties, installation, certification and warranties are added. Equipment specifications and costs were reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s Complex Center for Project Expertise and Import Contracts, but the Tashkent Metro said it welcomes an independent audit.