Closing speech by Ilham Aliyev at a meeting dedicated to discussion of prospective development plan of Baku Subway System

I appreciate the work of all the organizations entities who contributed to the preparation of this plan. Both local and foreign companies were involved. A comprehensive and thorough program has been prepared. It will cover 20 years and require large funds. Some figures were mentioned here. If we undertake this work, it envisages the investment of several billion manats.

Of course, this is a very large sum. We need to adapt this investment to our financial capabilities. The state investment program for each year should envisage funds for the construction of the underground. We must divide this long-term program into stages. Suggestions to that effect have been made here. The first phase would cover 2011-2015. Of course, if our material resources permit, we can envisage more work in the next five-year program. We must be ready for that. In any case, this master plan provides for such opportunities. We already know what its last stage will consist in. The entire program has been carefully thought-out. We will simply carry out this work in stages, identify priorities and adapt it to our financial capabilities.

Our intention is open, clear and unequivocal: to move the underground construction in Baku forward at a high pace. This will provide great support for urban transport and enhance the capacities of this comfortable and safe mode of transport. In general, it is very important for our overall development.

We must do this work proceeding from international experience. The underground construction in Baku has a great history. I have already spoken about this. But today new technologies are being used. We must use them in Azerbaijan, in Baku. The existing experience is very valuable, but the present experience will certainly help to do the job more effectively and ensure maximum quality. It was mentioned here that new equipment and machinery is being purchased. We must make sure that this is the latest equipment available. The construction of tunnels and all other technical issues must be dealt with at the highest level.

I have no doubt that the experience of developed countries was used in developing this plan because foreign companies were also involved. We must analyze and apply the best practices to Baku.

However, special attention should be paid to design. Since its appearance, in the Soviet Union at least, the underground was also a model of architecture. A lot of attention was paid to the design of the underground in Baku. We should not forget about that today. We want new stations to have a smart design, be convenient and beautiful.

At the same time, we are reconstructing the stations built in previous years. In particular, the appearance and the interior design of the “Icheri Sheher” (Old City) station has been completely changed, which makes our city even more beautiful. Work is now under way on the “Azizbayov” station. A beautiful architectural complex is envisaged there as well. Renovation work inside the station is also ongoing. Of course, we will always keep these issues in mind when building new stations. At the same time, we must gradually renovate and upgrade old stations as well. Perhaps this should be part of the development plan. Additional funds should be envisaged for new escalators, renovation work and, if necessary, replacement of external structures of underground stations to make them look nicer. These stations are part of the city architecture. The city has wonderful architecture – both ancient and modern. We must consider these two factors.

It was indicated here that attention is being paid to safety. This issue must be finalized by the end of the year. I have issued an order to install CCTV cameras not only in the underground but also throughout the city. Such cameras already operate in different parts of the city. This is highly important from a safety standpoint. Also, these cameras have helped solve several crimes. At the same time, the cars breaching traffic rules can thus be tracked.

In other words, I want to reiterate that we have mobilized all our resources to undertake this immense work. I want to state again that this is a long-term program which will cover at least 20 years. We must work hard to ensure that the tasks set forth today are fulfilled and these stations are built. This work requires great skill, professionalism and financial resources. I am sure that we will do this work in time and with high quality, and create new and wonderful opportunities for city residents.