The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $302.38 million loan to modernise Baku Metro’s signalling system and digitalise its operations, APA reports.
The financing will help make metro services in Azerbaijan’s capital safer, more reliable and more efficient, while supporting the operation of its expanding network.
The project forms part of the Azerbaijani government’s $2.6 billion Baku Metro expansion programme. The programme includes building nine stations, two depots and 20 kilometres of new tunnels, purchasing 300 additional metro carriages and modernising operational systems.
It aims to expand service coverage and passenger capacity while reducing traffic congestion in Baku and surrounding areas.
“This project marks an important milestone in transforming Baku Metro into a future-ready urban transport system through digital technologies,” said ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal.
She said advanced signalling technology and integrated digital operating systems would improve the safety and reliability of existing services and support the efficient operation of the growing network.
Baku Metro, operated by the state-owned Baku Metro Closed Joint-Stock Company, serves 27 stations along approximately 41 kilometres of track. It carried around 220.4 million passengers in 2025.
The project will replace the existing signalling system with modern communications-based train control technology and upgrade the operations control centre. These improvements are expected to allow shorter intervals between trains during peak hours and reduce operational incidents that could disrupt services or affect passenger safety.
The financing will also support integrated digital systems for corporate operations, asset management, cybersecurity, passenger information and crowd management. These systems will be backed by upgraded data centres and secure network infrastructure.
The investment is expected to improve the use of operational and corporate data, strengthen maintenance and decision-making processes, and increase energy efficiency.
Technical training and staff development will strengthen Baku Metro’s institutional capacity and digital capabilities. Recruitment, training, certification and career development measures will also promote greater representation of women in technical and digital roles.
The project’s total cost is approximately $515.07 million. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is expected to provide $79.98 million in co-financing, while the Azerbaijani government is expected to contribute $132.71 million.
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