AZE.US
Baku Metro has launched the main construction phase of a long-planned project to separate its Red and Green lines, introducing a new operating scheme that will affect passenger movement for about 10 to 11 months.
From August 15, train service between the 28 May and Nizami stations has been temporarily suspended as work begins on a new tunnel section connecting Jafar Jabbarli and Nizami.
The project is designed to allow the Red and Green lines to operate independently, ending a decades-old arrangement in which the two lines shared infrastructure and limiting how frequently trains could run.
Once the project is completed, the Red Line will operate independently on the Icherisheher-Hazi Aslanov route, while the Green Line will connect Darnagul, Jafar Jabbarli and Khatai.
One of the most immediate changes is a reduction in waiting times. The interval between trains on the Red Line has already been cut from 3 minutes 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds.
On the Green Line, the interval is expected to be around 3 minutes 30 seconds after the separation is fully implemented. Further infrastructure upgrades could eventually reduce train intervals to about two minutes.
Temporary Bus Routes Introduced
During the construction period, trains on the Green Line are operating only between Darnagul and Nizami.
To compensate for the disruption, Azerbaijan’s Land Transport Agency has introduced six express bus routes linking major metro stations:
- M1: Elmlar Akademiyasi – 28 May
- M2: Inshaatchilar – Nizami – 28 May
- M3: 20 January – Nizami – 28 May
- M4: 20 January – Koroglu
- M5: 20 January – Ganjlik
- M6: Elmlar Akademiyasi – Ganjlik
Authorities have also added around 100 buses to 20 existing routes to handle the expected increase in passenger demand.
Several regular bus routes serving the 28 May transport hub have also had their terminal stops relocated.
Why Baku Is Separating the Lines
Baku Metro says the existing system has reached the limits of its capacity, particularly at the 28 May station, where passengers traveling in different directions currently share the same platform.
During peak hours, the arrangement creates heavy congestion and makes boarding and exiting trains more difficult.
After the project is completed, passengers traveling toward Icherisheher will use the 28 May platform, while those heading toward Darnagul will use the Jafar Jabbarli platform.
A new pedestrian connection between the two stations is also being built to reduce opposing passenger flows and make transfers easier.
The separation is part of Azerbaijan’s 2025-2030 state program to improve transport infrastructure in Baku and surrounding areas.
Metro officials say the project is essential ahead of the planned construction of additional stations and expected growth in passenger numbers.
The ultimate goal is to increase capacity, shorten waiting times and reduce congestion across one of Baku’s most heavily used public transport networks.
AZE.US