Azerbaijan Launches Baku Tram System Expansion

Baku holds the undesirable reputation of experiencing some of the most severe traffic jams among large cities in Eurasia.

Now, the Azerbaijani government is at last beginning to take actions to tackle the problem,announcing an intentto create a tram network to address traffic congestion and facilitate easier travel for commuters from the outer areas of Baku to the city center through public transportation. As stated by the Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Digital Development and TransportRahman HummatovAuthorities plan the development of five tram lines under a larger state initiative called "On Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025–2030."

Hummatov mentioned that officials will hire a well-known international design company to develop the routes and other technical aspects of the new tram lines. A construction contract will subsequently be given through an open bidding process, ideally by the end of 2026, he noted. "There are several top firms around the world that construct this kind of infrastructure — including companies from China, Europe, and other regions,"Hummatov said.

"The objective is to choose the best proposal for us via a transparent bidding process once a fully detailed project is developed," he added, explaining the new tram system.will be fully integratedwith Baku's current railway, metro, and bus systems.

According to Hummatov, the preparatory work has already been finishedfor the initial line that will extend from the northern edges of the city to theMay 28 metro stationin the heart of Baku. This station is planned to be a part of a new transportation center.

The completion of all five tram lines is expected by 2030. Along with establishing the tram system, officials willupgradesuburban rail lines linking Baku to sites on the Absheron Peninsula, such as Khirdalan, Pirshagi, and Sumgayit, along with constructing anew highway tracing the same route.

Anar Rzayev, the director of Azerbaijan's Land Transport Agency, stated that Azerbaijan Railways intends to acquire 20 new passenger train carriages by 2030 in order to enhance its services.

After the infrastructure projects are finished, it is hoped that Baku's air pollution issue will improve.

Baku has faced an air pollution issue for many years, primarily due to the rise in vehicle traffic within the city over recent decades. As reported by IQAir, a Swiss organization that tracks air quality globally, there are nearly 550,000 registered vehicles in Baku. Adding to the pollution problems, many of these vehicles are used and emit higher levels of harmful pollutants.

"Numerous imported vehicles no longer comply with the emission regulations from their home country, hence they are not allowed to be sold there," an IQAirsummaryof conditions in Baku states. "However, in countries like Azerbaijan, emission regulations are not as stringent, making it an ideal market for these excess vehicles."

A daily report from IQAir placed Baku at 89th position among the most polluted metropolitan areas globally as of February 19. Other air quality monitoring services indicate Baku's smog level aspoor to unhealthy.

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