25 AUGUST / 2022 / 11:33
The Training Center of the Baku Metro is housed in a building that has a rich history. This building, originally serving as the electric depot of the Sabunchu station, part of the USSR’s first electrified railway, was commissioned on September 24, 1926. In 1966, by the decision of the Executive Committee of the Baku City Council of Working Deputies, the building was transferred to the Baku Metro. With the necessary infrastructure established, it housed dispatcher centers considered crucial for organizing and managing train operations. Known as the “Communication House,” it was the workplace for train, electricity supply, sanitary equipment, and escalator dispatchers, as well as the leading engineering staff of the signaling and communication service.
On September 16, 2014, the building, still referred to as the “Communication House,” began functioning as the training center of the Baku Metro by the order of the chairman of the “Baku Metro” CJSC. Overall, by the end of four training seasons, the center has seen the participation of more than 4800 individuals in its courses.
The Renovated Center
During the renovation period, necessary updates were made to the building of the Baku Metro’s training center to enhance the quality, efficiency, and appropriateness of the training process for each area of the metro system. Preserving the building’s historical and architectural style, previously created ad-hoc rooms were removed, and a new training center was established, considering the unique needs of the training process. The building, once a railway station storage depot, has been adapted to reflect its historical ambiance, with sections resembling modern metro wagons created in the main hall. The sides of the building now house a main hall, training auditoriums, technical cabinets, and auxiliary rooms. The center is equipped with centralized ventilation, heating and cooling systems, as well as modern fire safety systems, including a fire water pool system. The building’s neglected basement, disorganized over decades, has been thoroughly cleaned and reconstructed. The installation of the lighting system, considering the requirements of the training process, internal interiors, and visual aids, has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the center. The suspended ceiling and its lighting, executed in national architectural style with modern systems, contribute to the building’s aesthetic. The entrance area has been redesigned with modern doors. Along the staircase leading to the foyer, photographs of Baku Metro stations reflecting their historical and architectural features have been displayed with accompanying information. Each area has dedicated training rooms equipped with necessary resources, auditoriums with required equipment including computers, audio-visual technologies, electronic, multimedia, and other modern technical means. Spaces and corners have been allocated for instructors. A methodological laboratory, library, and audio-video library have been established to facilitate excellent training.
Metro’s Past, Present, and Future
In the foyer’s central section, the conceptual development scheme of the Baku Metro, approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on March 18, 2011, and subsequent decrees related to the metro’s future development, are displayed. The walls chronicle the development history of the Baku Metro. The left wall features stands showcasing the significant role played by national leader Heydar Aliyev in the development of the capital’s underground steel artery and its transformation into one of Baku’s historical symbols. Among these documents, the most valuable is the historical protocol containing decisions from a comprehensive conference chaired by Heydar Aliyev during his tenure as the First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, which significantly contributed to the development of the USSR metro industry. The right wall displays documents and photos highlighting the architect of the metro’s new development era, President Ilham Aliyev, who brought modern technologies to the underground public transportation system. Information boards along the walls parallel to the train wagon-styled corners of the central hall reflect the training process, technical and historical features of Baku Metro stations, statistical data, and on the opposite walls, photo stands featuring major metros worldwide, including those part of the International Metro Association, to which Baku Metro is a member.
A modern conference-communication system and a synchronous translation cabinet have replaced the previous conference hall. The 70-seat hall features rare photos reflecting the transportation history of Baku city, from horse-drawn carriages to the metro. These stands allow visitors to observe the dynamics of public transportation development against the backdrop of historical and modern Baku.
Beacon for New Generation of Train Drivers
One of the most significant technological innovations in the training center is the train simulator. Following President Ilham Aliyev’s directive, since 2015, Baku Metro has been acquiring only the latest, fourth-generation trains equipped with modern technological innovations. Currently, 11 such new trains manufactured by Russia’s “Transmashholding” Joint Stock Company serve the capital’s metro, with six acquired this year. Future replacements of aging trains will adhere to these modern standards. Train drivers will undergo retraining and preparation of new generation drivers on simulators based on the “81-765” type trains. The simulator, a product of Russia’s specialized “Logos” company, operates in a fully interactive mode, replicating Baku Metro lines in real space and time with modern graphical representations. The software includes scenarios for various instructions, accidents, and emergencies that a train driver might encounter. These scenarios are administered and visually monitored from a control center near the driver’s cabin. The software autonomously evaluates the driver’s actions, aiding in skill acquisition, professional habit development, strengthening competencies, identifying and correcting weaknesses, and providing a more comprehensive and individualized training program.
Adjacent to the simulator is a special display screen showing the passenger compartments of the train. Each wagon is accurately represented with original control equipment on a realistic panel. Here too, drivers can receive tasks, test, and evaluate their knowledge and skills.
Train drivers’ actions at the steering wheel in the cabin can be visually observed and later discussed by colleagues through an installed projector, facilitating peer learning and discussion.
“Wagon Corners”
The wagon-type corners located in the central area of the training center are among the most important areas for conducting training sessions. Each corner embodies the characteristics and technical features of its respective area, making it an ideal space for acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipped with the latest technological aids. The walls of each corner are adorned with static boards that encompass a wide range of information about different areas and structural units. Monitors in each corner enhance the learning experience by using modern information-communication technologies to present training materials in a lively and comprehensive manner. Special custom-made models and practical production samples, reflecting the unique characteristics of each area, are key educational tools. Overall, the training center houses 15 specially commissioned models and over 100 practical training aids.
Wagon Operation and Repair Corner
This first corner encompasses the primary areas related to the locomotive park. It provides an opportunity to closely understand the repair processes in the depot, including the major repair of metro wagons organized for the first time in Azerbaijan, as well as other types of repair, technical service, and inspection processes, and the technical specifications of wagons. Models of historical E-type wagons used in the Baku Metro, along with the currently operating 81-717, 81-760, and 81-765 type lead wagons and their trailers, serve as important educational aids for wagon repair technicians.
Metro Construction Corner
This corner showcases the rich history of metro construction in Baku’s complex geological conditions, often achieved with significant valor. It features models from historical and modern projects, illustrating the different aspects of each era, the dynamics of underground construction development, its characteristics, and the essence of technologically advanced works compatible with Baku’s hydrogeology.
The metro construction is rapidly evolving with the introduction of “Herrenknecht” tunnel boring complexes from Germany, marking a new era of faster and higher-quality construction. A model of the S-835 complex has been specially prepared for training purposes. Additionally, video tutorials will provide comprehensive knowledge to trainees.
Signaling, Communication, and Communication Corners
Modern metros are distinguished by the rapid development of signaling and communication, as well as information and communication technologies. In this regard, the most modern metro technologies initiated with the construction of new lines in the Baku Metro are now being gradually implemented in the existing lines. The SCADA dispatcher control system, CBTC radio channel control for trains, existing microprocessor systems, road and tunnel equipment for organizing and regulating train movement, and communication tools characterize another corner. Here, classes on systems applied in new lines, the axle counter used in the “Narimanov” electric depot, choke-transformers, various relays, etc., will ensure optimal training. Notably, a group of Baku Metro workers trained at “Thales Canada” in Toronto, part of France’s “Thales SA” group, have shared their experience with colleagues at the training center. Collaboration with the Azerbaijan-French University allows students to participate in practical training at the Baku Metro and the training center.
Given the complexity and importance of this area, a special cabinet equipped with a model of the rail infrastructure and devices will be used to visually teach technological processes. This cabinet, featuring modern technologies, will be continuously enriched with teaching aids to match modern technology requirements
Escalator, Elevator, and Travelator Corner
In the Baku Metro, the escalator department, enriched with the installation of travelators and elevators in the newly equipped lines according to modern standards, is an area where the most advanced standards are widely applied. It’s sufficient to mention that more than 84% of the escalators in the Baku Metro consist of modern models. In this corner’s stands, you can see a piece of an escalator and several key components, providing insight into the static technical features. Considering that most escalators in the metro are of new types, a special technical training cabinet has been allocated, using a stand based on the real working principles of escalators, developed in collaboration with “Thyssen Krupp Fahrteppen.” This unique educational tool was prepared exclusively for the Baku Metro among the institutions that cooperate with “Thyssen Krupp.”
Road and Infrastructure Diagnostics Corner
Roads are among the most crucial infrastructure areas of the metro. In this corner, discussing road operations, you can closely understand the operation of variable parameter switchgear models, road equipment, and superstructure elements, as well as tools and other samples. Stands reflecting the complexity and diversity of the Baku Metro’s plan and profile provide comprehensive information about the critical diagnostics and metrological data that underpin the metro’s safety. Particularly, the activity of the diagnostic complex and the equipment for checking the road infrastructure, along with the main diagnostic parameters, highlight the richness and complexity of the metro, requiring constant attention and care.
The production workshop in the Baku Metro’s own manufacturing area, based on German “Vollert” company technologies, has pioneered the production of reinforced concrete blocks in Azerbaijan, now widely used in the lines. The experience gained on the test track is currently applied on the “Memar Ajami-B-3” residential road of the Purple Line, the main station road of the “Khatai” station, and in the tunnels of the “Khojasan” depot. The application of these blocks, new methods of railway construction, and the mastering of maintenance for new types of superstructure elements will play a significant role in the Training Center in training staff.
Electric Supply Corner
The electric supply system of the metro, a complex and multi-faceted structure, is crucial for the metro’s operation. In this corner, housing the main directions of this economy and the systems, devices, and tools that support its operation, you can obtain comprehensive information about the operation mode of devices reflecting the activity of the contact rail. A unique relay protection system’s working principles are visually demonstrated on a stand, also serving as a practical teaching tool for metro specialists. Considering the modernization of Baku Metro’s electric substations based on “Siemens” leading technologies, the Center is equipped with visual aids for mastering technological processes and enhancing professional knowledge.
Engineering Technical Devices Corner
Engineering and technical devices are critical for regulating the metro’s operations. This area, showcasing ventilation, heating-cooling, water supply systems, and various types of pumping devices, will vividly convey the characteristics of this area to trainees. Moreover, a stand with extensive technical information about advanced systems and technologies planned for future implementation in the metro is regarded as a product of progressive thinking. The teaching process, based on the comparison of old and new systems like ventilation, pumps, and water supply, will ensure the training of specialized staff who can meet contemporary demands.
Tunnel Equipment Corner
Tunnels form the foundation of the metro’s infrastructure. In the special corner, besides the models of station and tunnel sections, the construction, dimensions of tunnels, and materials for preventing leaks and fighting corrosion in Baku’s challenging geological conditions demonstrate the complexity of the metro’s structure and the need for constant monitoring and care.
Traffic Organization, Management, and Regulation Cabinet
The primary task of the metro is to transport passengers safely and efficiently. For this purpose, the training center allocates a spacious cabinet for organizing, managing, and regulating movement. This cabinet houses visual aids related to the movement service and a large display-controlled plasma monitor. Through this monitor, it’s possible to explain all aspects of the training process, the peculiarities of each area, and the distribution of stations. The visual scheme of the metro lines and the passenger transport schedule reveal the significance, complexity, and principal operational features of the area.
The cabinet also features visual aids related to exemplary winter and summer uniforms for platform attendants, occupational safety, fire safety, main working tools, etc., deepening knowledge in these areas. In the near future, a model of the “Narimanov” electric depot and the park roads connecting it to the lines will be installed in this room. This will be a crucial tool for thoroughly understanding the training process in all its aspects and depth.
Secrets of Staff Training
The innovations have enabled the organization of courses on new foundations and methodologies with the application of modern systems from this training season. Suitable conditions have been created for both enhancing professional skills and mastering new professions, as well as for training diverse and specialized personnel.
The Training Center operates in close collaboration with leading higher and vocational education institutions in Baku. This collaboration enhances the quality of training, expands experience exchange, and provides future professionals with essential technological experience, deepening theoretical knowledge in practice. This cooperation will enable these educational institutions to train more competent and knowledgeable specialists.
Currently, significant activities are being carried out under mutually agreed memorandums. Close collaboration with the Azerbaijan-French University (UFAZ), Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry, Technical, and Architecture and Construction Universities, and the Baku State Vocational Education Center for Railway and Metro ensures fruitful outcomes.
The teaching staff of these educational institutions are active participants in the personnel training process at the metro. Moreover, the production areas of the Baku Metro have become practice bases for students of these universities. The deepening collaboration with the Ministry of Education and “Baku Metro” CJSC will make a special contribution to professional training in the country.
Overall, leveraging international experience to strengthen the personnel potential, equip the enterprise with qualified staff at modern standards, is a focus area. Metro specialists who have undergone training in Turkey, Canada, the UK, Germany, and France share their knowledge with their colleagues at the metro, actively participate in the training center’s operations, and train staff capable of working with new technologies. Continuous courses have been organized to utilize the experience of France’s “Thales” company, which actively participated in establishing new management systems in underground lines, and this effort continues in collaboration with the Azerbaijan-France University. The newly restructured training center will expand these opportunities, deepen them, and open the way for implementing the most effective education, vocational, and training projects in our country
