Azerbaijan, Baku, October 3/ Trend E. Ismayilov /
Currently in peak periods, the Baku subway trains carry 38,000 passengers a day, Baku Metro told Trend on Thursday.
According to projections, if no appropriate action is taken, then in 2016 this figure will reach 48,000, and in 2030 up to 80,000 people, the Baku Metro said. These predictions are made on the basis of a population growth in the capital by 2.5 per cent per year.
"According to European standards, in terms of safety and comfort, the number of passengers transported by the subway for an hour should be 30,000 or six passengers per square metre per coach," the Baku Metro stressed.
However as reported, currently the Baku Metro falls to eight to 10 passengers per one square metre of the wagon and that does not meet safety requirements.
To solve these problems, all these forecasts and estimates are reflected in the 20-year programme of development of the Baku Metro, the company said.
At present, the length of lines of Baku Metro is 34.6 kilometers. Today, the Baku Metro has two lines. In the future, the number of subway lines will be increased to five, the length will be increased up to 119 kilometers, and the number of stations up to 76.
The Baku Metro has been operating since 1967 and has 23 stations.