12 FEBRUARY / 2019 / 00:00
Another stage of the overhaul and reconstruction began at the “Khatai” station, which was closed to passengers for enter and exit from September 27 last year, due to the replacement of escalators that have served their life.
The process of installing new escalators instead of three “LT-2” escalators dismantled in the second decade of December has begun. Note that according to a previously developed plan these works have been to start in February.
Within the framework of the second stage of repair and reconstruction work, the concrete base of the engines of the old escalators was dismantled and removed from the station. Despite all the difficulties, the builders managed to cope with this task ahead of time.
It should be noted that after the 50-year operational period, instead of three old escalators that have been dismantled, 4 new “Victoria Tube” type escalators manufactured by the German company “Thyssen Krupp” will be installed. This means a higher level of security and passenger service at the station.
Prior to the installation of new escalators consisting of several parts, each weighing 4-8 tons, additional supports were sent from the machine room during dismantling to increase the sustainability of the lobby floor covering. Also during this period, a lifting structure was installed to align the parts of the escalators along an inclined course. It should be noted that along the inclined course, the metal lining of the tunnel was cleaned of corrosion, measures were taken to prevent leakage, anticorrosion, painting works were carried out with high-quality and durable paints. After the escalators are installed, throughout the entire inclined course, a prefabricated water-proof umbrella will be hung to its lining.
Currently, under the strict control of surveyors, parts of the escalators are delivered to the station, replaced, and installation work is underway. It should be added that the length of the escalators at the deepest station of the Baku Metro, Khatai, will be approximately 100 meters.
As for the new escalators, it should be noted that, in contrast to the old analogs of the “LT-2”, the number of protective units of the new cars is two times as much, which will also increase the level of passenger safety.
At the station, closed to passengers, because it has only one entrance-exit, the process of updating of other infrastructure as well is carried out in accordance with the plan. Work has begun on coating the walls of the lobby at the entrance of escalators. To do this, metal mesh construction is first assembled, then the walls will be decorated with marble. 30 % of the work on the facade of the building can also be considered completed. In the period of long-term operation, to strengthen the walls of the two-story building of the station, the metal structure is assembled and concreted. Insulation of the roof of the station is carried out in parallel with these works. In the planned mode, metal grids in front of the station are dismantled and restored. In the service premises located in the lobby and the machine room, scheduled repairs are being carried out, the station's equipment has also been updated, the installation of modern fire-fighting and video surveillance systems has begun.
