Dense settlement is observed in some of the areas surrounding Baku, and the existing transport network, established years ago, does not meet the needs of the residents.
This was reported to Modern.az by the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA).
It was noted that in recent years, the rapid increase in population and the expansion of settlement in Khirdalan city have further exacerbated the burden on main roads. More than 300,000 people live in this area alone.
Currently, although Khirdalan residents have several entry and exit points to the M1– Baku-Sumgayit road, this by no means meets the significant demand that has arisen, and at the same time, it overloads the M1 road. The railway line passing around the area and the Jeyranbatan reservoir located in the north-western part of the aforementioned area physically hinder the construction of new roads. Precisely due to these limitations, passengers and drivers, lacking alternative exits, have to access the already congested M1 highway to travel in any direction and additionally spend a long time on the road within Khirdalan city due to congestion.
According to the “State Program for the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure in Baku City and Surrounding Areas for 2025–2030,” tunnels will be constructed from Khirdalan city to the M4 – Baku-Shamakhi highway at 3 different locations under the railway. This will eliminate the necessity for citizens to use only the Baku-Sumgayit road, and convenient alternative routes for exiting the area will be created.
Another important part of the project is related to the Khirdalan railway station. Specifically, one of the new entry and exit points will be organized near this station. At the same time, the construction of a modern Transport Exchange Center (NMM) is planned in front of the station. This step will both increase the efficiency of access to and from the railway station and expand the coverage of public transport.
The mentioned innovations will also create important alternatives for the residents of Hökməli, Sulutəpə, Khocasan, Mushfiqabad, and 28 May settlements, as well as for establishing convenient connections with universities located nearby.
At the same time, for the purpose of regulating traffic movements on the mentioned roads, the construction of a new highway connecting Khirdalan city - M1 - Masazir-Novkhani road, the improvement of the interchange at Khirdalan roundabout, and the organization of an exit from the M1 – Baku-Sumgayit road to the M4 road, towards Shamakhi, via a tunnel will be implemented.
Currently, the preparation of the aforementioned projects is underway, and construction work has already begun on one of the directions. Overall, these projects are expected to be fully completed between 2027–2030.
