On the streets and avenues of Baku, especially in the central part of the city, the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, as well as the density of traffic, have multiplied in recent years, creating a serious obstacle to the mobility of the population and becoming a danger to road users. One such area of the capital is the square in front of the Gosha Gala gates (the Sabir garden and the area next to the Constitutional Court building), Aziz Aliyev and Icherisheher streets. Recently, the dangerous situation observed in this part of the city has repeatedly become the subject of discussion among the public and the media. However, the solution to the problem is not far away: a special project is planned to be implemented in this place where historical places that shape the appearance of the country’s capital are concentrated.
Anar Rzayev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, answered the questions of the “Report” about what measures can be taken in this direction and what changes they will bring about.
We present that interview:
– Mr. Anar, let’s start with the fact that the situation in this densely populated area creates problems not only for drivers and pedestrians, including many tourists, but also for the residents of Icheri Sheher. The square in front of the Gosha Gala gates and the Aziz Aliyev Street area have become a place of chaotic movement of people and cars. What do you think about it?
– The reason for this consists of several factors that are closely related to each other. The fact is that the intensity of the traffic flow on Istiglaliyet Street, the movement of cars to the square in front of the Gosha Gala gates and from there to Neftchilar Avenue along Aziz Aliyev Street further complicates the situation and even affects the traffic. along Neftchilar Avenue. Furthermore, in the aforementioned square, traffic and pedestrian flows constantly mix, which makes mobility significantly difficult.
– Taking into account the attractiveness of the area from a tourist point of view, we also see that there is congestion in the area and that passenger vehicles impede the safe movement of tourist buses, numerous guests and residents.
– It’s absolutely true. In addition to the square in front of the Gosha Gala gates and Aziz Aliyev Street, the large number of cars also creates a chaotic situation inside the Old City. This has a negative effect on the historical spirit of the Old City, prevents the further increase of interest of numerous visitors in the sights concentrated here and prevents them from walking and relaxing comfortably in the center of Baku. Furthermore, the existing parking spaces in Icherisheher cover a large area, spoil the appearance of the historic buildings located in the surrounding area, heavy traffic on the narrow old streets threatens the safety of pedestrians, including tourists, and noise causes concern. among residents. As part of the implementation of the mobility transformation program in Baku, major changes are proposed on Icherisheher and Aziz Aliyev streets to increase the safety and comfort of movement of residents and visitors to the city.
– Is there a project or action plan designed to solve all these nuances that you mentioned?
– Our experts studied the situation in this area in detail, monitored the traffic intensity for a long time to fully investigate the scene and organized a simulation using special traffic software. Based on a detailed analysis, AYNA prepared proposals and presented them to the Transportation Coordinating Council. The reforms include the restriction of car traffic from the intersection of Istiglaliyet Street with Azerbaijan Avenue to Aziz Aliyev Street, the creation of boarding and disembarking points for tourist buses on the square in front of the Gosha Gala gates, the restriction of car traffic on Aziz Aliyev Street, the creation of a pedestrian zone and micromobility lanes here, as well as the creation of a pedestrian zone and micromobility lanes for residents of the Old City and the zone provides for the closure of all vehicles , except city vehicles. diplomatic missions.
If we look at international experience, we can see that Leinban Street in Rotterdam, the Ströget pedestrian zone in Copenhagen, Arbat Street in Moscow, Trafalgar Square in London and many others are completely or partially closed to car traffic; in these areas. The Land Transport Agency of Azerbaijan was also guided by the concept of turning Baku into a city for residents during the preparation of the proposals.
– Is it possible to use a private car for Icherisheher residents? What are the benefits of restricting vehicle access to the general area?
– Yes, residents of Icherisheher and vehicles of diplomatic missions operating in this area will be able to access the area with the license plate recognition system. Restricting vehicle access to all others has several advantages. This will increase the level of comfort and safety of residents and visitors of the Old City by reducing the number of cars, noise and, among other factors, will contribute to the preservation of one of the main attractions of the capital.
Furthermore, most importantly, one of the positive aspects of limiting automobile movement is that it will prevent the erosion of historical monuments and the rapid aging of infrastructure.
The creation of tourist bus boarding and disembarking points at the plaza in front of the Gosha Gala gates will allow Icheri Shaher guests to more easily reach this popular tourist spot.
Regarding the restriction of vehicle traffic on Aziz Aliyev Street, this will allow expanding the pedestrian zone starting from Nizami Street, building micromobility lines and their extension to the Seaside National Park, connecting them with the existing lane on Istiglaliyet Street. All this will contribute to the further development of mobility and pedestrian zones in Baku.
If we talk about the tourist aspect, the transformation of Aziz Aliyev Street into a pedestrian zone and the closure of Icherisheher to vehicles, except those of residents, will increase the interest of tourists and create favorable conditions for increasing the flow of visitors.
Let’s imagine that a huge pedestrian zone will be created that will connect Samad Vurgun Street and the Philharmonic Garden. For the first time, the project of completely restricting car movement was implemented around Khagani Garden, and now this area has been completely transformed into a pedestrian zone after large-scale reconstruction. Currently, the creation of this area continues in the square in front of the “28 de Mayo” metro station.
