ADB allocates over $652 million for railway and metro modernisation in Azerbaijan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated more than $652 million for modernising railway and metro infrastructure in Azerbaijan. The projects involve Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and the Baku Metro, both companies of AZCON Holding, and aim to strengthen regional links and urban mobility.

The largest part, $350 million, will fund electrification, signalling and telecommunications on the 192-kilometre double-track Bilajari–Yalama line, part of the North–South and North-West International Transport Corridors. Once works are complete, the line will switch from direct to alternating current, with expected reductions in energy consumption, maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as faster trains. The project will also create new opportunities for women in technical, control and management roles at ADY.

The ADB has also allocated $302.38 million to modernise signalling and digitalise operations on the Baku Metro, intended to make metro services safer, more reliable and efficient. The financing is part of the Baku Metro expansion programme implemented by the Azerbaijani government.