Azerbaijan's Baku to shine with world metro conference

Baku Metro CJSC and Metro İstanbul have signed a memorandum of understanding on resolving organizational issues of the first international conference of the world's metropoles, which will be held in Baku in 2025, Trend reports. 

According to the information, the document was signed by the chairman of Baku Metro CJSC Zaur Huseynov, and general director of Metro İstanbul Özgür Soy.

After the ink dried on the contract, Chairman of Baku Metro CJSC Zaur Huseynov pointed out that in the past few years, the bond between Azerbaijan and Türkiye has gone up a notch. The Baku Metro and Istanbul Metro have been in cahoots since 2015, working together. The main directions have been the exchange of experience in the field of human resources, new technologies, maintenance, care, and repair. The successes achieved could then be transferred to a new plane involving other megacities in the world.

He emphasized that work would be done on joint plans to make this conference the most successful platform for all metros in the future.

The head of Metro İstanbul, Özgür Soy, made it clear that he's all in on the future success of the event. He stated that, united, the metros of the two brotherly countries can pave the way for a groundbreaking platform for metros worldwide.

Özgür Soy emphasized that jointly developing projects between Azerbaijani and Turkish enterprises will be stimulated by the extensive knowledge of Baku Metro in quality maintenance, organizational challenges, and technological advancements implemented in Istanbul Metro.

Simultaneously, he expressed confidence that this project will serve as a bridge between manufacturers and the metro.

Afterward, a presentation of the event was made to the media. It was noted that an exchange of views and experiences around the proposed idea and discussions on organizational issues were initiated between Baku Metro and Istanbul Metro in early 2024. It was decided to name the event “MetroConnect”. It was agreed to hold the first event in Baku. Following the first event, the location and date of the next conference will be discussed.

Furthermore, the research also showed that solving the most pressing problems facing metros, discussing new ideas, and coming up with creative solutions are all essential in this industry.

The special attention of the conference agenda will be given to the issues of construction, assembly, and repairs of cars, the latest achievements in the field of metro devices, equipment, and systems, innovative technologies, the role of artificial intelligence, the main problems in repair and maintenance, including standards and safety, the exchange of experience in the field of passenger satisfaction, achievements in the field of scientific research, and others.

Taking into account the interest of the conference not only for metros but also for manufacturers, as well as research and educational institutions, it is planned to organize an exhibition and excursions on innovations applied in Baku Metro and other issues of importance for metros.

The conference will also feature manufacturers and specialists in the fields of science, education, and research. Baku will provide conditions for discussions, bilateral meetings, and open platforms for various organizations for the benefit of all participants. The event will last two days and consist of several discussion panels dedicated to topical issues.
To note, the visit of "Metro İstanbul" representatives to Baku lasted for two days. During this time, the main points of the agreement, the work done, upcoming plans, and tasks were discussed.