Growing demand necessitates expanding Baku Metro

/By Azernews/

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan is currently engaged in the expansion and further development of its metro network. Being one of the most popular and affordable means of passenger transportation in Azerbaijan, metro experiences growing demand necessitating its further expansion.

Works aiming at the rapid development of Baku Metro and renewal of train fleet are underway.

In accordance with the conceptual development plan Baku Metro will operate 76 stations and 5 lines by 2030. The plan envisages the staged expansion of the existing network and the creation of a new giant subway network. The network is expected to establish 2 additional lines, 53 new metro stations and 84.3 kilometer metro lines. Currently there are 25 metro stations in the country, while the number of existing lines is 3. The latest and brand-new technology is used in the construction of new stations.

Main objective of the project is to construct, restore and repair metro stations and lines, purchase modern equipment as well as install modern security equipment and facilities, strengthening video surveillance and security-control systems.

Azerbaijan closely cooperates with the world’s leading companies in this industry such as Alstom, Bouygues and Thales. French Alstom company which is considered to be a world leader in integrated railway systems has already delivered 3 new metro train sets to Baku Metro, in accordance with a contract signed in 2014. The train sets, consisting of 5 cars each, were commissioned for passenger service in May 2015.

Baku metro which operates each day from 6:00 to 00:00 is considered to be one of the cheapest tubes in the world with the cost of each trip not exceeding 20 qepics ($0.13). The fares for subway use are realized through “Baku Card” single payment system which was introduced in 2015.

The subway system is developing rapidly in the Azerbaijani capital. Subways are also planned to open in the most populated and developed cities of the country, including Sumgayit, Nakhchivan and Ganja.