21 DECEMBER / 2023 / 14:53
Comprehensive repair and reconstruction works have been completed in two more service and maintenance areas (gantries) at the Baku metro's "Narimanov" electric depot, creating additional capabilities for train maintenance and repair. The significant increase in passenger numbers and, consequently, the number of trains in operation, as well as the need for the most optimal movement schedule for the current period, the creation or expansion of new production areas, necessitated reconstruction efforts at the depot built in 1966. The fact that only one electric depot serves both the Red and Green lines further necessitates these actions.
Starting from 2014, the strengthening of the material-technical supply areas began, and since 2017, the continuous creation of new areas has become a turning point. As a result, the number of trains returning from the line in disrepair has significantly decreased, the repair process has been timely and of high quality, the spare parts base has been formed, and direct dependency on foreign sources for repair processes has been minimized as much as possible, among many other tasks, laying the foundation for efficiency. All these could not be effective without the reconstruction of the train service and inspection areas, especially without the appropriate conditions for regular and operational measures. Therefore, phased reconstruction steps are taken in the train deployment area without disrupting the work process.
In the depot, where no reconstruction or technological renewal had been carried out for many years since its inception, continuous service facilities for trains have been created in two more reconstructed areas. Both areas were completely dismantled and rebuilt. Previously, these two gantries served only for parking. Now, they will also accommodate technical inspections and maintenance.
As part of the reconstruction, the gantries were dug to the required depth following standards, and descent stairs for functional activity were installed. A new concrete base layer was created on the floor, and the walls were plastered and painted. Simultaneously, the sides of the gantries were filled with carbonate and gravel layers according to the relevant standards and concreted.
New drainage, modern electrical supply, and lighting systems were installed in the gantries. Special lifting mechanisms were also installed to service the front part of the train's leading car, along with the installation of modern superstructure elements of the track. The area's flooring was painted with durable epoxy material, contributing to its aesthetic appearance.
In conclusion, new modern type switching devices were applied in the reconstructed gantries for the reception and dispatch of trains. To date, 15 out of 32 gantries in the electric depot have been thoroughly repaired and rebuilt, reaching modern standards levels.
As part of the repair, the track bed leading from the gantries to the depot tracks was also completely renewed. The railway bed was dismantled and rebuilt on a new infrastructure based on a gravel foundation on reinforced concrete sleepers, according to new requirements. In the last three years, 8 centralized switch devices in the park tracks have been transferred to reinforced concrete rotary plates. This system's new technological model and modernization, which is easy and simple to maintain and has a longer lifespan, provides significant technical optimization benefits. This innovation further reduces the possibility of trains derailing. Another advantage is its high resistance to dispersion and durability in open-air conditions, especially considering Baku's variable climate.
