EIB to support modernization and expansion of Baku metro network

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MDDT) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) as part of COP29 event taking place in Baku today.

According to the MoU, the parties will cooperate to prepare and fully evaluate the project for the renewal, expansion and modernization of the Baku Metro network.

It should be noted that approximately 620-630 thousand passengers use the Baku Metro daily. The purpose of the planned work related to the renewal and expansion of the network is to increase the number of metro passengers and reduce traffic congestion in the city of Baku, which has a population of roughly 2.4 million.

The implementation of the MoU will be an important step towards the development of mobility in the capital and at the same time strengthen efforts to combat climate change and prevent pollution.

Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev said that within the framework of the Baku City Mobility Program, work is underway to promote micromobility and build infrastructure in the capital. According to him, up to 32 kilometers of micromobility lanes have been put into operation so far, and the network is planned to be expanded.

“Metro development is a major component of Baku City’s Mobility Program. The project envisages construction of nine new stations as well as improvement of the existing infrastructure to increase accessibility and quality of metro service. The aim of this work is to encourage people to shift from using private cars to public transport. This will help reduce the time people spend on the roads and will have a positive impact on the environmental situation in the city,” said Minister Rashad Nabiyev.

“This MoU is a major step we have taken towards realizing our shared vision of a greener and more sustainable Baku. The EIB will support the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport to develop and improve an investment project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of public transport in the city,” said EIB Vice-President Tereza Czerwińska.