Ilham Aliyev attended a ceremony to see off the first train on the Baku-Sumgayit route

2015-09-12

President Ilham Aliyev has today attended a ceremony to see off the first train on the Baku-Sumgayit route.

Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC JavidGurbanov informed the head of state about the work done on the Baku- Bilajari-Sumgayit railway project.

The total length of the road is 84km. On the route there are Baku, Kashla, Bilajari, Khirdalan, Guzdek, Sumgayit passenger stations, 10^th and 6^th block post-check points. A set of 106 crossing points has been installed on the main roads of the station and separation points. The latest repairs in the areas were carried out in 1985.

Four new platforms have been built within the reconstruction of Baku passenger terminal. One of them has a length of 310 and a length of 254 meters. Four of the roads intended for the train acceptance and departure were overhauled and the contact network and signalling equipment were upgraded. Currently. repairs are being carried out at the 17-storey Vagzal hotel and passenger waiting room with a total area of 8,000 square meters. The five-storey building of Sumgayit Station, with an area of 10,000 square meters, has been dismantled because of its useless condition and construction of a new building.

Train tickets will be available both in automatic booths and in cash offices.

The first passenger ticket of the new train was presented to the head of state as a memory.

Totally, 55 turnstiles and 10 kiosks have been installed on the project. At present, BakuBus buses and the single payment cards used in the subway – “BakuCard” will be available here, using payment terminals and purchasing tickets on mobile phones.

President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the sending off of the first passenger train.

“Stadler Rail Group’s” fastest electric trains have been put into operation for convenient, fast and safe transportation of passengers on this route. The total passenger capacity of each of the four trains are 919 people, and the number of seats are 396. There are 84 business-class seats in two-storey electric trains. The train movement from Sumgayit to Baku and the opposite direction will be carried out at different intervals. Depending on the number of passengers, additions can be made to the motion chart. Large-scale construction, repair and restoration work have been started in Baku-Sumgayit highway to ensure high speed and comfort. Underground pedestrian crossings, tall platforms, modern crossing posts have been constructed, repair of railways have been started. Up to now, 60 km of roads have been repaired.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev met the staff of the trains. According to our head of state:

“There should be a very high service in beautiful trains. I am sure that will be so. Azerbaijan Railways raise its level and it must be at a higher level. It must meet the most up-to-date standards. There are all possibilities. New beautiful trains have been purchased. Railways are built and new lines are opened. All this is done. I am sure that in near future, Azerbaijan citizens will see these positive changes. Azerbaijan railway is developing in accordance with the overall progress of our country. Because there is a great need for reforms in this area. This is a very important area. Thousands of people work in the railway system. Our lines need to be updated.

Baku-Sumgayit line has been constructed in a short time and is being put into operation today. Both lines have been upgraded, and now trains are running at high speeds – and trains also have the highest levels. There are trains of developed countries of world today in Azerbaijan. Beautiful shapes have also been built for you. I am sure that you will render a very nice cultural service. Passengers will also be satisfied with the services. I congratulate you again and wish you success.”