06 NOVEMBER / 2024 / 09:29
The concept of establishing a metro system in Baku dates back to the 1930s. During this period, Azerbaijan's capital was rapidly expanding, with industrial facilities, factories, and plants being commissioned. The increasing influx of people and the limitations of surface transport underscored the need for an underground transit system. This vision was incorporated into Baku's master plan. However, the outbreak of World War II delayed these plans. The construction of the metro commenced in April 1949.
By August 1952, technical and operational plans for the first phase of construction were prepared. The route included six stations and one depot, marking the initial section of the Baku Metro's first phase. Construction began with great enthusiasm, cutting through underground rock formations at a rapid pace. However, in 1953, an order from Moscow halted the construction and preserved the existing tunnels.
This suspension lasted seven years, and work resumed in April 1961. Within four years, construction workers completed approximately 10 kilometers of tunnels and built six underground stations, four of which were deep-level. On November 6, 1967, the first five stations—"Baku Soviet" (now "Icherisheher"), "26 Baku Commissars" ("Sahil"), "28 April" ("28 May"), "Ganjlik," and "Narimanov"—were opened. The "Khatai" station followed on February 22, 1968.
Baku Metro's construction faced challenges not only due to hydrogeological conditions but also because of the complex political dynamics within the USSR's elite. True progress began with the arrival of Heydar Aliyev to political leadership in Azerbaijan. He emphasized the necessity of extending metro lines to developing industrial districts and succeeded in accelerating construction. By April 17, 1970, the "Ulduz" station was operational. Over the next three years, three more stations—"Mashadi Azizbeyov" ("Koroglu"), "Aurora" ("Gara Garayev"), and "Neftchilar"—were opened, reaching the "8th Kilometer" residential area.
The iconic "Nizami" station, often regarded as a jewel among world metro systems, was also associated with Heydar Aliyev. Despite significant challenges, construction teams overcame obstacles, including tunneling through areas with high population density and addressing underground water barriers. Using high-pressure artificial methods, 2.3 kilometers of tunnels were completed. The station, inaugurated by Heydar Aliyev, became a historical masterpiece, with murals celebrating Azerbaijani miniature art created by Mikayil Useynov and Mikayil Abdullayev.
The transformation of a small depot platform into the "Bakmil" above-ground station by 1979 was another achievement under Heydar Aliyev's leadership. During his tenure in Moscow as the First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, significant progress was made in constructing new metro stations despite challenging hydrogeological conditions. His unwavering support ensured that construction did not halt, resulting in the opening of "Academy of Sciences," "Builders," "XI Red Army Square" ("20 January"), and "Architect Ajami" stations by December 31, 1985.
Under Heydar Aliyev's directive, the "Friendship of Peoples" and "Ahmedli" stations were inaugurated on April 28, 1989. Following his return to leadership in independent Azerbaijan, the "Jafar Jabbarly" station in 1993 and the "Hazi Aslanov" station in 2002, funded by the European Union, were added to the network.
Despite the economic challenges of independence, Heydar Aliyev initiated the revival of the Baku Metro. His successor, President Ilham Aliyev, continued this development, focusing on modernizing the metro infrastructure. By 2011, 155 new carriages had been acquired, and several stations, including "Nesimi," "Azadlig Avenue," and "Darnagul," were completed.
In 2014, a Presidential Decree established "Baku Metro CJSC," integrating construction and operational functions. The first achievement of this restructuring was the introduction of next-generation trains in 2015. Today, the fleet includes 30 such trains, with the latest seven trains assembled in Baku according to the metro's technical specifications. These trains incorporate advanced ecological features, such as energy-efficient lighting and regenerative braking systems.
Recent developments include the opening of new stations like "8 November" in 2021 and "Khojasan" in 2022, commemorating significant national achievements. The metro infrastructure has been modernized to accommodate longer trains and enhance passenger safety. Additionally, major stations like "Icherisheher," "Sahil," "28 May," and "Khatai" have undergone extensive renovations, with modern escalators and second entrances added for increased passenger flow.
Baku Metro's commitment to ecological sustainability is evident in its projects, such as energy-efficient LED lighting, water recycling systems for train washing, and digital systems for train maintenance. These initiatives align with the country's focus on environmental preservation, highlighted by the 2024 "Year of Solidarity for a Green World."
At 57 years old, the Baku Metro continues to embody technological innovation and ecological responsibility, reflecting the nation's aspirations for sustainable urban development.
Published in "Respublika" newspaper on November 6, 2024.
