Baku Metro

Baku Metro (Azerbaijani: Bakı metropoliteni) is a rapid transit system serving Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. First opened on 6 November 1967[1] during the time of the Soviet Union, it has features typical of ex-Soviet systems, including very deep central stations and exquisite decorations that blend traditional Azerbaijani national motifs with Soviet ideology. At present the system has 36.63 kilometres (22.76 mi)[1] of bi-directional tracks, made up of three lines[1] served by 25 stations.[1] The metro is the only one constructed in Azerbaijan, and was the fifth built in the Soviet Union. In 2015, it carried 222.0 million[3] passengers,[4] which yielded an average daily ridership of approximately 608,200.

Baku Metro

Train set at Bakmil station
Overview
Native name	Bakı metropoliteni
Owner	Baku Metro CJSC
Locale	Baku, Azerbaijan
Transit type	Rapid transit
Number of lines	3[1]
Number of stations	25[1]
Daily ridership	629,315 (daily average, 2019)
Annual ridership	229.7 million (2019)[2]
Chief executive	Zaur Huseynov
Website	Baku Metro
Operation
Began operation	November 6, 1967 [1]
Operator(s)	Bakı Metropoliteni
Number of vehicles	228
Technical
System length	36.63 km (22.8 mi)[1]
Track gauge	1,520 mm (4 ft 11 ^27⁄32 in) Russian gauge
Electrification	Third rail, 825V DC
Baku Metro map

Baku Metro Closed Joint-Stock Company (Baku Metro CJSC), the company which runs the Baku Metro, was founded according Decree No. 289 Of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 27, 2014 as a legal successor of Baku Metro and Azertunelmetrotikinti Joint Stock Company. Property along with rights and obligations of Baku Metro and Azertunelmetrotikinti Joint Stock Company were transferred to the newly established Baku Metro CJSC.[5]

Baku Metro
Hazi Aslanov Ahmedli Halglar Doslugu Neftchilar Gara Garayev Koroğlu Ulduz Bakmil Nariman Narimanov Ganjlik Shah Ismail Khatai 28 May Jafar Jabbarly Nizami Ganjavi Sahil Elmler Akademiyasi Icheri Sheher Inshaatchilar 20 Yanvar Memar Ajami Nasimi Avtovağzal Azadliq prospekti Darnagul

History

During the final decades of the Russian Empire the port city of Baku became a large metropolis due to the discovery of oil in the Caspian Sea. By the 1930s, it was the capital of the Azerbaijani SSR and the largest city in Soviet Transcaucasia. The first plans for a rapid-transit system date to the 1930s, with the adoption of a new general plan for city development. After World War II, the population passed the one million mark, a requirement of Soviet law for construction of a metro system. In 1947, the Soviet Cabinet of Ministers issued a decree authorizing its construction, which began in 1951. On November 6, 1967, Baku Metro became the Soviet Union's fifth rapid-transit system when the first 6.5 kilometers of track and a depot were inaugurated, in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the October Revolution.

Baku Subway System 1970

Due to the city's unique landscape, Baku Metro did not have the typical Soviet "triangle" layout of development, and instead had two elliptical lines which crossed each other in the center of the city at the Baku Railway Terminal. Thus one line would begin at the southwestern end of the city, and cross on a northeastern axis to follow the residential districts on the northern edge of the city and then snake along to the southeastern and ultimately southern end. This was inaugurated in three stages: Ulduz (1970) and Neftçilər (1972), followed by Ahmedli (1989) and finally Hazi Aslanov (2002), completing the first line. Additionally, in 1970 a branch was opened to a station built in a depot, Bakmil.

The second line was to parallel the Caspian coast from Hazi Aslanov through Baku's industrial districts, meeting the first line again at the Baku Railway Terminal, and then continuing westwards before turning north to join Baku's northwestern districts. To accelerate construction, a branch was opened from May 28 station to Khatai in 1968, and in 1976 in the opposite direction towards Nizami. The second and first line used the same station (May 28). This posed no serious problems initially, as the line was two stations long, but when the second stage opened in 1985, lengthening the line to 8 stations (Memar Ajemi), construction of a transfer was desperately needed.

In 1993, the first stage of the transfer station Jafar Jabbarli came in operation, but the end of the Soviet Union, political unrest, the First Nagorno-Karabakh War and the financial collapse which followed effectively paralyzed any construction attempts in Baku. Furthermore, during the mid 1990s, three mass casualty incidents took place: on March 19 and July 3, 1994, terrorist attacks killed 27 people and injured another 91, and on October 28 of the following year a fire in a crowded train killed 289 and injured 265 others, the world's deadliest subway disaster.

In the late 1990s construction restarted. The first project was the completion of Hazi Aslanov station, partly sponsored by the European Union. In the mid-2000s, construction of the northern end of the second line, abandoned since 1994, was restarted with Nasimi station opening on October 9, 2008.

Network

Lines

Line	Segment	Date opened	Length	Stations
Red	Icheri Sheher ↔ Hazi Aslanov	1967	20 km	13
Green	Darnagul ↔ Hazi Aslanov	1976	31 km	19
Green	Shah Ismail Khatai ↔ Jafar Jabbarly	1976	2 km	2
Purple	Avtovağzal ↔ Memar Ajami	2016	2 km	2

Timeline

Segment	Date opened	Length
Icheri Sheher – Nariman Narimanov	November 6, 1967	6.5 km
28 May – Shah Ismail Khatai	February 22, 1968	2.3 km
Nariman Narimanov – Ulduz	May 5, 1970	2.1 km
Nariman Narimanov – Bakmil	September 25, 1970 (reconstructed in 1978–79)	0.5 km
Ulduz – Neftchilar	November 7, 1972	5.3 km
28 May – Nizami Ganjavi	December 31, 1976	2.2 km
Nizami Ganjavi – Memar Ajami	December 31, 1985	6.5 km
Neftchilar – Ahmedli	April 28, 1989	3.3 km
Jafar Jabbarly	December 27, 1993	0.15 km
Ahmedli – Hazi Aslanov	December 10, 2002	1.4 km
Memar Ajami – Nasimi	October 9, 2008	2.1 km
Nasimi – Azadliq prospekti	December 30, 2009	1.3 km
Azadliq prospekti – Darnagul	June 29, 2011	1.5 km
Avtovağzal – Memar Ajami	April 19, 2016	2.07 km
Total	25 stations	36.7 km

Renaming of stations

Old	New	Date of renaming
Şaumyan	Xətai	May 11, 1990
26 Bakı Komissarı	Sahil	April 9, 1992
XI Qızıl Ordu Meydanı	20 Yanvar	April 27, 1992
28 Aprel	28 May	April 9, 1992
Avrora	Qara Qarayev	April 27, 1992
Elektrozavod	Bakmil	January 1, 1993
Bakı Soveti	İçәrişәhәr	April 25, 2007
Məşədi Əzizbəyov	Koroğlu	December 30, 2011

Expansion plans

At present, there are several expansion projects planned, two of which are under construction. In 2011, the Chief Executive of the Baku Metro, Taghi Ahmadov, announced plans to construct up to 53 new stations by 2030. Currently, eight stations and two train depots are under construction.[6][7][8] These will serve the new bus complex as well as Heydar Aliyev International Airport.[9]

The signalling, supervision and telecommunication systems for Phase 1 of the Purple Line will be upgraded by Thales.

Three new stations were planned to open by 2015, according to Ahmadov; Avtovağzal Bus Terminal was scheduled to open in late 2012 (delayed to 2016), while Old Gunashli and New Gunashli were planned to begin operating before 2015 (not yet open).[10]

Construction of the intermediate section of the Green Line, between Khatai and Hazi Aslanov along Nobel Avenue began in August 2013 by a French–Ukrainian consortium.[11][12]

The Baku Metro will be refitted with modern technologies. The new stations will be able to handle trains with up to seven cars. The stations will feature modern platforms, lobbies, and escalators as well as new signaling and control systems.[6]

Current construction

Lines

Line	Segment	Date open	Length	Stations
Red	Icheri Sheher ↔			0
Green	Darnagul ↔			0
Green	Shah Ismail Khatai ↔	Unknown		6
Purple	Avtovağzal ↔	2021		2

Under planning

Lines

Line	Segment	Date open	Length	Stations
Red	Icheri Sheher ↔	2030		6
Green	Darnagul ↔	2030		13
Green	Shah Ismail Khatai ↔	2030		13
Purple	Avtovağzal ↔	2030		10

Structural units

Baku Metro Closed Joint-Stock Company embracing such important areas like subway operation and construction, has the following structural units:[13]

• Traffic service
• Depot Department
• Tunnel Facilities Services
• Traffic Services
• Electricity Supply Services
• Electromechanical Service
• Overhaul Services
• Alarm and Communication Services
• Automototransportation Services
• United workshops
• Construction Department
• Human Resources and Services Department
• Department of Perspective Development and Capital Construction Supervision
• Department of Finance[13]

Depots

• Bakmil Depot - for Lines color: Red
• Darnagul Depot- for Lines color: Green (Under Construction)
• Khojasan Depot- for Lines color: Purple (Under Construction)

Operation

Officially Baku Metro has two lines, however due to problems with opening the second part of Cəfər Cabbarlı, Baku instead operates as a large four branch system, with trains travelling from Həzi Aslanov to either İçərişəhər or Dərnəgul, branching at May 28 (beneath the main train station). Rare services from both Dərnəgul and İçərişəhər also terminate at Bakmil but only twice per hour. There is a one-stop second line that operates separately between Cəfər Cabbarlı (essentially different platforms within the same station as May 28) and Şah İsmail Xətai, a shuttle service using only one of the two tracks due to low demand. The second interchange station is “Memar Əcəmi" where Green and Violet Lines cross.[5]

Due to the city's uneven landscape some stations are very deep, that could double as bomb shelters in case of a nuclear war attack, given that the system was built at the height of the Cold War in the 1950s/early 1960s. All seven of these deep level stations have a standard pylon design. The majority of the system's stations, 13, are shallow pillar-trispans. In addition one station, Bakmil, is a single platform surface level.

Like many other former Soviet systems most of the stations of the system are exquisitely decorated; many feature advanced Soviet motives in artwork (including mosaics, sculpture and bas-reliefs) and architecture such as those of progress and international culture, whilst others focus on traditional Azeri culture and history. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, several stations were renamed, and some of their decoration was altered to comply with the new ideology.

Ticketing

The system works on a flat fare of 30 qapik per trip, following a price hike on August 1, 2018. Some Baku residents were reportedly unhappy with the price hike, citing the age of the metro system's infrastructure.[14] Until 2006, metro users accessed the stations with metal (later plastic) tokens placed into turnstiles. In 2006 the Baku Metro introduced an RFID card system using rechargeable fare cards, which require a 2-manat deposit (plus travel credit).

BakuCard is a single Smart Card for payment on Baku Metro and BakuBus.[15] The intercity buses and metro use this type of card-based fare-payment system.[16][17]

Wi-fi and mobile phone coverage

Work to install free wi-fi service at Koroğlu station is now underway.[18]

Local mobile service provider Nar Mobile has started to provide 3G coverage at Sahil, Nəsimi, 28 May, Memar Əcəmi, Azadlıq prospekti and Dərnəgül. Service will expand to all stations as well as to tunnels by May.[19]

Rolling stock

As of the beginning of 2020, 81-717/714 (including later modifications .5 .5B and .5M) and their modernized version 81-717M/714M, 81-760B/761B/763B "Oka" and 81-765.B/766.B stock trains are operating on the metro. 81-710 («Еж3») and 81-704/81-705/81-706 («Ем, Ема, Емх») stock trains were also operating on the metro until they were retired in 2008. As well as 81-703 («Е») and 81-707 («Еж») which were retired in 2001. All rolling stock on the Baku Metro has been produced by Metrowagonmash jointly with Alstom.

• 
  81-717M/714M Type with old front.
• 
  81-717M/714M Type with new front (Modernized locally by Baku Metro)
• 
  81-760B/761B/763B "Oka" Type.
• 
  81-765.B/766.B "Moscow" Type.

Since 2014, the refurbishment of 81-717/714 (and their modifications .5 .5B and .5M) has been underway in Tbilisi's branch of ZREPS.[20] During the refurbishment the front car is fitted with a new fibreglass cab end similar to those operating on the Prague Metro. Inside the train it is fitted with new cab instruments as well as new seats, although the interior is kept relatively the same. Aside from the visual changes, the train is also fitted with new electrical equipment. Since the beginning of the programme the design of the front ends has been altered and now features a different headlamp design and the shape has been slightly changed.[21]

At the end of 2012, Baku Metro loaned one 81-760/761 "Oka" type train to decide whether they will renew the fleet with a new model of train. On January 21, 2013, the train entered service on the Red Line ("Icheri-Sheher" to "Hezi Aslanov"/"Bakmil"). During the trial runs several breakdowns and failures occurred and in July 2013 the train was returned to Moscow.[22] Later, the Baku Metro decided to purchase three five car "Oka" type trains with modified carriages fitted with through passage gangways. But, quickly abandoned the project and switched focus to a redesigned "Oka" type train built by Metrowagonmash and Alstom. The train was classified as 81-760B/761B/763B "Oka" with a modified front end, newer interior equipment and electrical equipment. In April 2015, all three trains were delivered to Baku and began service on the Red line.[23]

• 
  81-760A "Oka" Type planned for service with Baku Metro.
• 
  Modified 81-760B "Oka" Type in service on Red line.

In February 2018, Baku Metro signed a contract with Metrovagonmash for the supply of two new 81-765 "Moscow" type trains. The first train was manufactured and shipped to Azerbaijan in March 2018 and from April 20, 2018 it began commercial operation. The trains are classified as 81-765.B/766.B and operate with only motor and head cars, no trailers, in order to increase traction. The second train was shipped in the same year. They are painted in a purple livery similar to the colour of the "Oka" type, just without the gray. As of 2020, five more trains have been delivered to the depot in Baku and are awaiting certification to enter into service.[24][25]

• 
  Front view of 81-765.B "Moscow" Train.
• 
  Trains feature interconnecting gangway.
• 
  Modern and spacious interior.

Incidents

1994 bombings

On March 19 to July 3, 1994, bombs killed 27 people and injured 91 others.[26] Three Armenians were later arrested, charged and imprisoned in connection with the incident.[27]

1995 fire

On October 28, 1995, a fire broke out between the Ulduz and Nariman Narimanov stations, killing 289 people and injuring 265 others.[28][29] The fire was deemed to have been caused by electrical malfunction but the possibility of sabotage was not excluded. The fire remains the world's deadliest subway disaster.[30]

Network Map

See also

• List of Baku metro stations
• Baku Transport Agency
• Trams in Baku
• Transport in Azerbaijan
• List of metro systems

References

1. "Baku Metro - History". Bakı Metropoliteni. Archived from the original on August 18, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
2. "Metrodan istifadə edənlərin sayı artıb" [The number of subway users increased] (in Azerbaijani). Baku. Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZƏRTAC). January 21, 2019. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
3. "Conveyance of passengers in transport sectors". The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
4. "Ötən il Bakı metrosu ilə 222 mln. sərnişin daşınıb". ANN (in Azerbaijani). Azerbaijan News Network (ANN). 2016. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
5. "About "Baku Metropolitan" CJSC". railway-strategies.com. December 2016. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
6. Nigar, Orujova (August 11, 2014). "Good news for Baku Metro's users". Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
7. "Over 70 underground stations to be built in Baku". news.az. November 4, 2010. Archived from the original on November 7, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
8. Mammadov, Anar (February 18, 2011). ""Memar Əcəmi" stansiyasında yeni metro xəttinə keçid açılır – FOTO" (in Azerbaijani). Milli.az. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
9. "41 new underground stations to be constructed in Azerbaijani capital in the next 17 years". APA. October 10, 2008. Archived from the original on September 9, 2009. Retrieved November 9, 2018 – via Day.az.
10. "Number of subway stations in Baku rises". Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
11. "Construction of new Baku metro line launched". Azeri Press Agency. August 22, 2013. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
12. Orujova, Nigar (August 22, 2013). "Construction of new section in Green Line of Baku Metro starts". Azernews. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
13. "About "Baku Metropolitan" CJSC". Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
14. "Public transit fares raised in Azerbaijan". JAM News. July 31, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
15. "Vehicles available with "BakiKart"". bakikart.az. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
16. "How to pay your fare-Bakı Metropoliteni". www.metro.gov.az. Archived from the original on November 1, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
17. "Ticket and Prices". www.bakubus.az. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
18. "Baku Metro installs Wi-Fi at stations". APA. 16 December 2011. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2011.
19. "Azerfon launched 3G in Baku Metro and announced global launch of 4G for May". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
20. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
21. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
22. https://www.webcitation.org/6G15Ps9bE?url=http://abc.az/rus/news/69848.html
23. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
24. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
25. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved September 18, 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
26. Atwell, Elizabeth; Khanlou, Pirouz (1995). "Baku's Metro Accident". Azer International Magazine. pp. 46–47. Archived from the original on January 21, 2011. Retrieved February 18, 2011. Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
27. "Azerbaijani Terrorism Suspect Extradited to Baku". RFE/RL NEWSLINE. December 2, 1997. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
28. I.J. Duckworth. "Fires in vehicular tunnels" (PDF). 12th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 16, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
29. Terje Andersen, Børre J. Paaske. "Railroad and Metro Tunnel Accidents". Lotsberg.net. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
30. Phil Reeves (October 31, 1995). "Sabotage fear over metro fire". The Independent. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2018.

External links

• Baku Metro (in Azerbaijani, English, Russian, and French)
• Urbanrail - Baku Metro
• Baku Metro Track Map (in Russian)
• Interactive Baku Metro Map
• More information (in Russian)
• Baku Public Transportation