Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The more likely challenge for Baku which is preparing to host the inaugural Euroepan Games just in two days can be avoiding possible traffic jams.

Vagif Asadov, the head of the Public Relations Department of the Baku city Main Traffic Police Department, calls on drivers to join the “20 days without car” campaign, carried out in connection with the Baku 2015.

He urged drivers not to use private cars within 20 days to ensure road safety.

In order to create a safe, reliable and accessible transport system for the increased numbers of passengers during the Games, special Baku 2015 Lanes have been set for free and rapid movement of people, especially spectators and competitors.

Earlier, the Transport Ministry announced the roads that will be closed during the Baku 2015 opening ceremony.

In terms of the event, the affected Baku road will be Heydar Aliyev avenue -- from the circle on Babek avenue to the Sabunchu road circle. The Mehdi Huseynov street -- from the circle on Parliament avenue to its crossroad with Teymur Elchin street will also be closed in connection with the Games.

The traffic will completely be restricted in these roads in between 4:00pm June 12 and 2:00am June 13.

More detailed information is available on www.baku2015.com website or Baku-2015 Call-center, calling telephone at “2015” or transport ministry website www.mot.gov.az, or Main State Traffic Police website www.dyp.gov.az, or Baku Executive Power website www.baku-ih.gov.az or Intelligent Transport Management Center website www.niim.az

As some roads will be closed during the Games, the public transports will operate in more enhanced mode.

Earlier, Namig Hasanov, Spokesman for the Transport Ministry told ANS TV that public transport will be in service of passengers almost a full day.

He said that public transport in the capital will operate during 20 hours in between 05:00am and 01:00 am. “In case of need public buses can extend their hours,” Hasanov said, adding that shift work is set for all drivers.

He went ahead noting that by the end of June, the staff will continue to operate in enhanced mode. “The ministry and its subordinate organizations have been working 24 hours a day in recent months,” he said.

Some buses in the capital will also change their routes on the Games opening and closing days.

During Baku 2015 opening and closing ceremonies (June 12 and 28) Baku Metro will also operate above the usual schedule. The metro network will offer 21-hour schedule, thus working from 06:00am until 03:00am, said Nasimi Pashayev, the head of the company’s press service.

He also added that if necessary the metro is able to extend its hours until 04:00am or 05:00am.

On other days, however, the metro will operate, as usual from 06:00am until 01:00am.

Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which will take place on June 12-28.

There will be a total of 20 sports including 16 Olympic and four non-Olympic. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will represent their nations over 17 days of competition.

Twelve of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Those sports include Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball and Wrestling.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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