Baku: Starting August 15, Baku Metro CJSC, part of AZCON Holding, will embark on the main construction phase of the Red and Green Line Separation Project, Baku Metro informed APA-Economics. The construction phase is anticipated to last around 10-11 months, during which train services between Nizami and 28 May stations will be temporarily suspended.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the project aligns with the 2025-2030 State Program on Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku City and Surrounding Areas, approved by President Ilham Aliyev. The primary aim of this initiative is to eliminate the dependency between the Red and Green lines, reduce station congestion, decrease train intervals, and enhance operational reliability. Currently, passengers traveling in different directions share the same platform at 28 May Station, causing congestion during peak hours. Upon completion, passengers heading to Icherisheher will use the platform at 28 May Station, while those traveling toward Darnagul will utilize the platform at Jafar Jabbarli Station.
As construction progresses, the second phase of the Darnagul electric depot, serving the Green Line, is nearing completion. Additionally, construction of two new 200-meter tunnels connecting Jafar Jabbarli and Nizami stations will commence on August 15. During the construction period, metro operations will be adjusted, and the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) will introduce additional express bus routes and increase bus frequency along existing routes to accommodate commuters.
The project will result in significant changes to the current metro operations. The Red Line will operate between Icherisheher and Ahmadli every 2 minutes 30 seconds, while the Green Line will run between Darnagul and Nizami at 3-minute 30-second intervals. The Jafar Jabbarli-Khatai section will maintain a 7-minute interval, and the Purple Line will continue operating between Khojasan and 8 November stations at 8-minute intervals. Once construction is completed, the Red and Green Lines will operate independently, potentially reducing train intervals to 2 minutes.
Construction of the Icherisheher turning chamber on the Red Line is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2028. Baku Metro has urged passengers to remain patient and understanding during this period of temporary inconvenience. Detailed information is available in a video presentation that outlines the project's purpose, ongoing work, public transport regulation during construction, and benefits for passengers.
The line separation project is deemed a strategic necessity for the future development of Baku Metro, rather than a mere option.