ADB puts Baku metro, rail and green energy among priorities for Azerbaijan

The Asian Development Bank said its 2025-2029 partnership strategy for Azerbaijan would prioritise transport connectivity, the expansion and digitalisation of the Baku metro, railway modernisation and green energy projects, with potential lending of up to $2.5 billion by 2029.

Under the strategy, ADB said it would support the development of a modern, energy-efficient and safe railway network to improve domestic mobility, facilitate trade flows and strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a transit hub along regional corridors.

The bank also plans to finance the expansion and digitalisation of the Baku metro to improve urban mobility, ease congestion and promote low-carbon transport solutions.

Lending for the metro project could reach $850 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources. The project is aligned with Baku’s 2020-2040 master plan and includes digitalisation, line extensions and the construction of five new stations.

Beyond transport, ADB said it would support regional energy connectivity through the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, aimed at promoting cross-border transmission and the integration of renewable energy sources.

ADB said Azerbaijan could receive up to $2.5 billion in loans through 2029 for projects in transport, green energy and private sector development.

N.Tebrizli