Aliyev: Azerbaijani government committed to social sphere

By Azernews

By Ofeliya Afandiyeva

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has hailed the opening of the newly commissioned Pirshaghi-Goradil-Novkhani-Sumgayit passenger station, saying that it will serve millions of people. He also reiterated his government’s commitment to social sphere.

Aliyev made the remarks while attending the inauguration of Pirshaghi-Goradil-Novkhani-Sumgayit section of Absheron circular railway after renovation on March 18.

“This is one of the greatest gifts ever given to people living on the Absheron peninsula. This proves once again that the state of Azerbaijan has its word in the social sphere. Although it requires a lot of money, we do it to ensure that people can live comfortably, get to work, home, and to provide security of people. Accidents on highways can lead to serious complications. Therefore, a thorough analysis of all these factors in terms of security, environmental balance, time and convenience will make everyone see how important this line is”, Aliyev said.

He stressed that the government attaches great to the improvement of people’s social welfare.

“One of the most important transportation projects in Baku, the circular railway line is ready for operation on the eve of Novruz holiday. It will serve both residents of Baku and residents of Sumgait, Absheron district. Millions of people will benefit from this opportunity. Thus, the circular line, one of the most important transportation projects of our city and the Absheron peninsula, has been completed,” Aliyev said.

“The length of this line is 91 km, but about 200 km of the railway is laid. It shows again that the Azerbaijan government continues its social policy by implementing such large projects. The cost of building this circular road may return to the budget, perhaps 100 years later because we have very low railway tariffs. Our main goal is to create great opportunities and comfortable conditions for people,” the president said.

The head of the state also informed about the benefits of the railway system to the advancing of the public transport: “Construction of this railroad will also have a positive impact on urban transport, traffic jams and road loads will be reduced, and the environmental condition of Baku and Sumgait cities and Absheron district will improve. Because vehicles are the biggest factor in air pollution. Demand for buses will be reduced, and buses operating on certain routes will be relocated to other routes.”

Furthermore, Aliyev spoke about the improvement of the public transport vehicles in the country: “Much work has been done to modernize the bus fleet in Baku, and the most modern buses are being purchased. It is planned to bring 300 new buses this year. Last year, 300 buses were delivered. Of course, transport problems of our entire city and the Absheron peninsula are coordinated - subway, rail, buses, taxi. Thus, today Azerbaijan is among the leading countries.”

“Two comfortable double-decker trains were purchased for citizens. These wagons are produced by the world's leading companies and are used in the capital of most developed countries. I can say that we are ahead of many countries in this regard. In other words, as a result of complex measures and within the framework of the state investment program, these works have already been completed and the circular railway has been put into operation,” the president emphasized.

“I signed an order two years ago concerning the construction of the circular railway, and these works were done in a short time. I was regularly informed about road construction. Personally, I have been interested in the situation at various stages of road construction and have been monitoring the progress of the work. This is my sixth inauguration of this road at various stages. At different times I have gone six times along this line - Pirshagi station, Sabunchu Railway Station, Sumgait Railway Station, Baku Railway Station, and today. All these short-sighted openings envisaged making our people happy before the Novruz holiday,” Aliyev said.

Fightin COVID-19

The president also touched upon the measures to combat coronavirus outbreak regarding public transport in the country: “In general, the transport sector is doing well. Last year we had great success, and this year as well. The construction of both railways and highways - all these works, I believe, are at the highest level.

Under current conditions, the main task is to disinfect the wagons. Special attention should be paid to this area. The whole world now suffers from coronavirus. Azerbaijan has taken preventive measures in this direction. That is why coronavirus is not so widespread in our country. But no country can consider itself fully insured from this problem. Even in the most developed countries, the crisis is now clear. Therefore every citizen should be responsible to take care of their personal hygiene. At the same time, the authorities involved in public works and public transport must also carry out such work with full responsibility, with a complete disinfectant so that the number of infections is not high.”

To conclude, the head of the state expressed his confidence in the successful continuation of the work in the country’s railway sector: “The work will continue. The map presented to me today shows the future plans of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. It is planned to build railways to other settlements and villages, to develop projects. We will gradually do this to ensure most settlements in the Absheron peninsula with a convenient railway.”

The head of the state was reported that all necessary conditions were created for passengers at the station. Extensive landscaping work was carried out, green areas were laid out and the lighting system was installed there.

It should be noted that by opening the newly renovated Pirshaghi-Goradil-Novkhani-Sumgayit passenger station, the Absheron circular railway is fully launched. Baku passenger-Keshla-Koroglu-Bakikhanov-Sabunchu railway line was inaugurated last May, while Sabunchu-Zabrat 1-Zabrat 2-Mammadli-Pirshaghi railway line was launched last November.