Comprehensive measures have been launched to separate the lines in the Baku Metro to regulate passenger flow, optimize train intervals, and improve overall service quality.

Axar.az reports this information was released by Baku Metro CJSC.

Currently, there are three lines in operation in the metro network: red, green, and purple. Of these, only the purple line operates independently. The red and green lines intersect at the '28 May' station and share infrastructure. As a result, trains on the red and green lines can only enter the platform in a staggered manner, at best every 4 minutes. In the shared section, the interval decreases to 2 minutes. This situation, especially in stations operating on a 4-minute interval, leads to increased crowding on platforms and longer waiting times."

In the current situation, the fundamental and long-term solution to the problem is the complete separation of the green and red lines, allowing each to operate independently.

To this end, the construction of the "Darnagul" electrical depot has begun. This depot will ensure the independent technical support of the green line, its full separation from other lines, and will provide overnight storage for the trains.

After the completion of the first phase of depot construction, the next major phase will begin — the construction of a new tunnel connecting the "Jafar Jabbarli" and "Nizami" stations. The existing tunnel, which has been in operation since 1976, will be modified, and an additional 200-meter tunnel will be built to directly connect the "Nizami" station with the "Jafar Jabbarli" station. This will allow the green line to operate independently.

Since the construction of the connecting tunnel will take place in complex geological conditions, based on preliminary assessments by local and international engineers, it is estimated that the work will take approximately 10-11 months. All technical resources will be mobilized to ensure that the work is completed safely, with high quality, and as quickly as possible.

In addition, as part of the project, the construction of an additional connecting tunnel that will link the "28 May" and "Jafar Jabbarli" stations to facilitate passenger movement is also planned.

The main phase of the line separation project, the construction of the new tunnel, is expected to begin at the end of 2025. Starting from this date, there will be certain changes in passengers' journeys. During the construction period, the "Nizami" station will temporarily become the last stop on the green line, and for this reason:

- Passengers coming from the "Darnagul" direction will need to leave the metro at the "Nizami" station and use alternative public transport to switch to the red line.

- Passengers coming from the "Hazi Aslanov" direction will need to leave the metro at the "28 May" station and use alternative public transport to switch to the green line.

Train services on the "Icharishahar–28 May–Hazi Aslanov" line will continue as usual, and no restrictions are expected on this route. On the contrary, it is planned to reduce intervals and provide more stable service on this route.

To ensure minimal inconvenience for passengers during this period, the Baku Metro and relevant state authorities will work together. Currently, preparations are underway for the organization of express bus routes, and the public will be informed in a timely manner about this.

Of course, this transition period may cause some inconvenience for passengers. However, it should be noted that this is a necessary stage for transitioning to metro lines that will operate faster, with a more frequent schedule, and with greater comfort in the future.

As a result of the planned improvements, passenger congestion on platforms will decrease, and waiting times will be shortened. As you know, currently at the "28 May" station, passengers board trains heading to both the "Icharishahar" and "Darnagul" directions on the same platform in a staggered manner. This causes problems such as obstructed passenger flow, congestion, and disorder on the platform.

With the separation of the lines, this chaotic situation will be eliminated, and as a result, passengers will only be able to board trains heading towards "Icharishahar" and "Hazi Aslanov" directions at the "28 May" station, while at the "Jafar Jabbarli" station, passengers will only be able to board trains heading towards "Darnagul" and "Khatai."

If a passenger's final destination is on a different line, they can easily continue their journey by transferring between the "28 May" and "Jafar Jabbarli" stations. This will make the boarding process smoother and more dynamic, while ensuring a more organized and safe waiting experience on the platform.

Additionally, due to the separation of the lines, the interval between trains will gradually decrease. At the same time, these steps will increase the metro's annual passenger capacity to 16 million, significantly contributing to reducing the burden on the city's surface transport and promoting sustainable development.

The Baku Metro is mobilizing all its resources to implement this important phase as efficiently as possible and expresses its gratitude to passengers and the public for their understanding," the statement read.