Azerbaijan Unveils Ambitious 2040 Development Plan for Baku

The Cabinet of Ministers in Azerbaijan has greenlit the General Plan for the comprehensive development of Baku until 2040, marking a significant milestone in the nation's urban planning agenda. The official document, now available on the government's website, outlines the strategic vision for the capital's growth and transformation over the next two decades.

Initiated by a presidential order from Ilham Aliyev on June 27, 2018, the development of the Baku Master Plan enlisted the expertise of the renowned German firm AS+P Albert Speer + Partner GmbH. Collaborating with the Baku State Design Institute, Ramboll UK (Great Britain), and EY Advisory (France), the comprehensive plan addresses the city's urban, environmental, and infrastructure needs for the 20-year period spanning 2020-2040.

The initial phase, set for implementation between 2020 and 2027, focuses on critical urban planning priorities. These include territorial zoning, polycentric urban development, capital construction, transport enhancement, social and engineering infrastructure, and environmental improvements. The plan aims to create a sustainable foundation for Baku's development during this crucial period.

Building on the outcomes of the first stage, subsequent efforts will concentrate on sustaining urban growth, fostering a favorable urban environment, and aligning housing stock, public and business zones, public transport, green spaces, and engineering structures with the Master Plan's technical and economic benchmarks.

The overarching goals of the Baku Master Plan revolve around four key priorities:

Sustainable urban development

Restoration of the city and the environment

Preservation of architectural aesthetics and historical heritage

Infusing new content into the urban fabric

The comprehensive plan comes in response to the unplanned development that characterized Baku's growth following Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. The lack of a master plan during this period led to significant challenges in infrastructure, heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability.