Exploring Azerbaijan's Road Widths: Standardized Infrastructure Secrets

Azerbaijan's road network is approximately 29,000 km long, with about 25,000 km of roads serving domestic cargo traffic and providing access to international highways. The country's roads are the main transport network, as the railway network is still undergoing modernisation and doesn't cover all areas. Azerbaijan has developed a network of multi-lane motorways, with most motorways having six lanes, and some in and near Baku offering up to eight. The highway network, meanwhile, is four lanes wide, with two lanes in each direction.

Azerbaijan's road network is approximately 29,000 km long

The country's roads serve domestic cargo traffic and provide access to international highways. Azerbaijan is a significant country for international transit, with its roads connecting to neighbouring countries such as Russia, Georgia, Turkey, and Iran. The first modern paved roads in Azerbaijan were built in the 19th century when the country was part of the Russian Empire.

Highways in Azerbaijan are generally in fair condition but do not fully meet international standards for transit traffic. Smaller main and rural roads are in poor condition and require urgent rehabilitation and maintenance. However, all types of roads are undergoing rapid modernisation, with rehabilitation and extensions being implemented. The Global Competitiveness Index ranked Azerbaijan 36th out of 137 countries in 2018 for the quality of its road infrastructure.

Azerbaijan has developed a network of multi-lane motorways, which are being expanded, particularly around Baku. Most motorways have six lanes, while some in and near Baku have up to eight. These roads are built to controlled-access highway standards and are illuminated in the cities. The most important class of highways is designated with the letter "M".

The country's road network is securely connected to all major cities, regional centres, towns, airports, seaports, railway stations, reservations, resort and tourist areas, as well as border crossings with neighbouring countries. Azerbaijan's road transport has been fully privatised, with corporate enterprises and the private sector mainly handling passenger and cargo transportation.

The country's highways are mostly in fair condition but don't meet international standards

Azerbaijan's highways are mostly in fair condition, but they do not meet international standards for transit traffic. The country's road system is the most important form of transport in the country, as the railway network is still undergoing modernisation and does not cover the entire country, especially mountainous areas and other regions with difficult topography. Azerbaijan is an important country for international transit, with roads serving domestic cargo traffic and connecting to international highways.

The total length of the Azerbaijani road network is about 29,000 km, with 24,981 km of public roads. The road density is 288 km per 1,000 sq. km, and the network is securely connected to all cities, regional centres, towns, airports, seaports, railway stations, reservations, resort and tourist recreation areas, as well as border crossings with neighbouring countries. The highways are undergoing rapid modernisation, with rehabilitation and extensions, and the government has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects.

In 2018, the Global Competitiveness Index ranked Azerbaijan 36th out of 137 countries for the quality of its road infrastructure. However, a 2006 assessment revealed that approximately 70% of the country's roads and highways were in poor condition and required urgent maintenance. As a result, the State Program for Rehabilitation and Development of the Azerbaijan Republic's Road Networks (2006-2015) was implemented, aiming to repair and construct more than 9,500 km of new highways, including national and local roads. By 2015, over 5,500 km of roads and highways had been rehabilitated, with approximately 806 km of these new roads and highways being of national and international importance.

Azerbaijan has developed a network of multi-lane motorways, which are steadily being expanded, especially around Baku. Most motorways have six lanes, while some in and near Baku have up to eight. The highway network is generally four lanes wide, with two lanes in each direction, and is illuminated in the cities, although less so in towns. The country's main highways include the Baku–Alat–Ganja–Qazakh–Georgian Border corridor, which is 503 km long, and the North–South Transport Corridor, stretching 521 km from the Russian to the Iranian border.

Smaller main and rural roads are in poor condition

Azerbaijan's road network is approximately 29,000 km long, making it the country's primary transport network. This is due to the country's railway network being inadequate and still undergoing modernisation. While highways are mostly in fair condition, smaller main and rural roads are in poor condition and in urgent need of rehabilitation and maintenance.

Azerbaijan's road system is currently undergoing rapid modernisation, with all types of roads being rehabilitated and extended. This includes the development of a network of multi-lane motorways, especially around Baku, where some roads have up to eight lanes. These roads are built to controlled-access highway standards and are illuminated in cities. However, the older sections of the road system are poorly constructed and poorly lit, with some sections remaining unfinished and extremely dangerous.

The poor condition of smaller main and rural roads in Azerbaijan can be attributed to various factors. One reason is the lack of proper construction and hazard signage. Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, sinkholes, and potholes are common, especially in Baku. Inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws by police and a general disregard for traffic regulations by drivers further contribute to the poor state of these roads. Many drivers often travel at extremely high speeds, and accidents are frequent and severe.

The poor road conditions are not limited to urban areas like Baku. Outside the city, roads are often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lane markings, traffic signs, and warnings. Many rural roads remain largely unpaved, making them challenging to navigate. The lack of proper road infrastructure in rural areas can impact the lives of residents, affecting their ability to travel safely and access essential services and economic opportunities.

The Azerbaijani government has recognised the need to improve the condition of its roads and is taking steps to address the issue. The ongoing modernisation efforts aim to bring all types of roads up to international standards to accommodate growing transit traffic. This includes rehabilitation and extensions to enhance the safety and efficiency of the road network.

Azerbaijan's railway network is inadequate, so roads are the most important form of transport

Azerbaijan's railway network is inadequate, with only around 2,900 kilometres of rail tracks, and it does not cover the entire country, especially mountainous areas and those with difficult topography. As a result, roads are the most important form of transport in Azerbaijan. The country has about 25,000 to 29,000 kilometres of roads, serving domestic cargo traffic and connecting to international highways.

The first modern paved roads in Azerbaijan were built in the 19th century when it was part of the Russian Empire. The country has recently developed a network of multi-lane motorways, which are steadily being expanded, especially around Baku. Most motorways have six lanes, while some in and near Baku have up to eight. In the cities, the motorways are illuminated.

Highways in Azerbaijan are mostly in fair condition but do not meet international standards for transit traffic. Smaller main and rural roads are in poor condition and urgently need rehabilitation and maintenance. All types of roads are undergoing rapid modernisation, with rehabilitation and extensions.

In 2018, the Global Competitiveness Index ranked Azerbaijan 36th out of 137 countries for the quality (condition and extensiveness) of its road infrastructure. The country is also a member of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which promotes economic growth and sustainable development through cooperation among its 11 member countries.

The country has recently developed a network of multi-lane motorways

Azerbaijan has recently developed a network of multi-lane motorways, which are steadily being expanded. These roads are the main transport network in Azerbaijan, as the railway network is still undergoing modernisation and does not cover the entire country, especially mountainous areas and other regions with challenging topography. The country's motorway network is particularly well-developed around Baku, where some roads are built to controlled-access highway standards.

Most of Azerbaijan's motorways have six lanes, but some in and near Baku have up to eight. In the cities, the motorways are illuminated. The motorway network is an important component of Azerbaijan's transport infrastructure, serving domestic cargo traffic and connecting to international highways. This is especially important given that Azerbaijan is a key country for international transit. The country's railway network is inadequate, so roads provide the most crucial form of transport.

Highways in Azerbaijan are generally in fair condition, but they do not meet international standards for transit traffic. Smaller main and rural roads are in poor condition and urgently require rehabilitation and maintenance. All types of roads are currently undergoing rapid modernisation, with rehabilitation and extensions being carried out. Azerbaijan's road system has a total length of about 29,000 km, with approximately 25,000 km of roads serving domestic cargo traffic and providing access to international highways.

The first modern paved roads in Azerbaijan were constructed in the 19th century when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The development of the road network began in the middle of the century, particularly within the territory of Baku Governorate, due to the transportation of oil and oil products. One of the earliest roads is believed to have been built in 1850, and the first highway around a residential area was located in the Lachin region, which was then part of the Elizavetpol Governorate. In the following decade, the Yevlakh-Shusha-Nakhchivan-Yerevan highway was constructed (1860). The importation of automobiles in the 20th century led to the construction of more roads, and a road construction organisation was established in 1918.

Frequently asked questions