New railway line in Baku could ease traffic congestion

Work to restore a railway line on Baku’s Zabrat-Mashtaga-Baglar route is continuing. The project is expected to make travel from suburban settlements to the city center easier and help reduce traffic congestion.

“Operative Information Center-OMM”, citing ITV, reports that Azerbaijan Railways has identified the areas the line will pass through. Construction, demolition and other preparatory work are under way along the route.

More than 100 structures demolished

According to official information, more than 40% of the design work for the restoration of the Zabrat-Mashtaga-Baglar railway line has been completed.

More than 200 property owners have been registered for the project. Relevant protocols have been signed with them and compensation has been paid.

Structures located within the railway’s protected zone are now being demolished. Demolition work has been completed at more than 100 structures, according to reports.

Work is also continuing under a state program to reconstruct the Bakikhanov-Bina-Gala, Yeni Surakhani-Hovsan and Guzdak-Garadagh railway lines.

Could the new railway reduce traffic?

Experts say expanding the suburban railway network could have a positive impact on the capital’s transport system.

A transport expert said railways can carry large numbers of passengers and, unlike other forms of transport, are not affected by traffic congestion.

According to the expert, railways are widely used in major cities around the world to carry passengers from suburban areas to city centers.

The expert believes that expanding the railway network in areas around Baku and running trains frequently could reduce the number of trips to the city center by private cars and taxis.

This, in turn, could ease traffic on the capital’s main roads.