BAKU, Azerbaijan - The Asian Development Bank has approved a $302.38 million loan to modernize signaling and digitize operations across the Baku Metro, a project intended to improve safety, reliability and train frequency.
The financing is a loan, not a grant, and forms part of Azerbaijan’s broader $2.6 billion metro expansion program, according to Vesti Baku and ADB project records.
New Signaling and Digital Operations
The existing signaling system is to be replaced with communications-based train control technology. The project also calls for an upgraded operations control center and digital platforms covering asset management, maintenance, cybersecurity, passenger information and passenger-flow monitoring.
ADB says the modernization should allow shorter intervals between trains during peak hours while reducing the risk of disruptions that affect safety and service regularity.
Part of a $2.6 Billion Expansion
The wider development program includes 20 kilometers, or about 12.4 miles, of new tunnels, nine stations, two depots and 300 additional metro cars. The plans are detailed in a separate ADB expansion project.
Baku Metro currently operates 27 stations across a network of about 41 kilometers. It carried approximately 220.4 million passengers in 2025.
Sources: Vesti Baku; Asian Development Bank.