Azerbaijan.US
Despite visible investments in urban infrastructure, accessibility for people with disabilities remains a persistent challenge in Baku, according to a recent report aired by Baku TV.
The report highlights that while ramps, elevators, escalators, and tactile guidance systems formally exist across parts of the city, many of them are either improperly designed or frequently out of service. Some ramps do not meet basic standards, while others are too narrow or steep to be used safely by wheelchair users or parents with strollers.
Residents interviewed in the report said that elevators and lift platforms often operate inconsistently – working for short periods before remaining out of service for weeks or even months. As a result, people with disabilities are frequently forced to rely on assistance from others, limiting their independence and increasing safety risks in busy urban areas.
The issue is particularly pronounced for people with visual impairments. Tactile paving and directional indicators are present only in limited locations and are often installed in a fragmented manner, making navigation through public spaces difficult.
According to official estimates cited in the report, Azerbaijan is home to nearly 620,000 people with disabilities, underscoring the scale of the issue. Limited access to public transport, metro stations, and pedestrian crossings continues to restrict mobility and complicate everyday activities such as commuting to work or accessing public services.
The report comes as 2026 has been declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan, a move widely seen as an opportunity to address gaps between infrastructure planning and practical usability.
Observers note that improving inclusivity and accessibility will be a key test of how urban development translates into everyday life for residents.
