Baku metro is looking for a partner for new carriages

Baku metro is implementing new strategies to reduce dependence on Russian trains. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

Although for many years reliance was placed on products from Russia’s “Metrovagonmash” factory, the metro has now begun diversifying its fleet of cars. In this regard, Switzerland’s Stadler Rail Group company is considered the main competitor.

Cooperation with the Mytishchi plant has been ongoing since 1967. During this period, hundreds of cars have been delivered to Baku.

In recent years, nearly 50 modern cars have been delivered. Trains manufactured in Russia stand out with their unique design, special painting, and air disinfection systems.

However, Baku metro’s expansion plan and the need to independently manage new routes are prompting the management to seek new partners. It is planned to purchase 299 new cars by 2030, with the project valued at 3 billion euros.

The European Investment Bank is ready to finance up to 50 percent of the expenses. This financial support economically favors directing purchases towards European or Chinese companies.

The metro intends to apply a strategy of using trains from only one manufacturer on each route. Three depots will be adapted for specific types of cars, which is expected to increase maintenance efficiency.

At the same time, cooperation with “Metrovagonmash” will not be discontinued; the plant will continue to provide maintenance and repair for previously delivered cars. On January 23, 2026, Baku metro head Vusal Aslanov met with the Stadler Rail Group delegation.

The negotiations discussed the purchase of nearly 300 new cars and the introduction of a modern management system. Tender processes are expected to be announced by the end of 2026, with major purchases scheduled for 2028–2030.

These changes are being implemented within the framework of a state program aimed at making Baku metro one of the advanced transport systems in the region. Meanwhile, the Uzbekistan metro currently uses trains fully manufactured at the Mytishchi plant.

The latest new cars were delivered in February 2023. At the same time, Tashkent metro plans to build a car depot for the Yunusobod line.