Title: Tehran Intensifies Public Transport Overhaul and Safety Measures in Comprehensive Urban Management Push
In a significant update on Tehran’s urban development strategy, city officials have detailed extensive progress in public transportation upgrades and building safety enforcement, highlighting a multi-pronged approach to urban management.
A Green Shift: Electrifying Public Transport
Mehdi Babaei, Vice Chairman of the Tehran City Council’s Health Commission, has underscored the current municipal administration’s prioritization of developing public transportation. This strategic focus includes the large-scale purchase of buses and train wagons, alongside a major push for electrification.
“To date, over 2,000 new buses have been purchased, and more than 1,800 have been renovated and overhauled,” Babaei stated. He highlighted a landmark achievement for the capital: “For the first time in Tehran, electric buses are being used. Currently, more than 500 electric buses are active in Tehran, and based on a contract with China, this number will gradually increase.” He confirmed that the expansion of the electric fleet will continue beyond the current administrative term.
Metro and Rail Systems Receive Major Boost
The modernization efforts extend deeply into the city’s rail network. Babaei reported that a contract for 1,080 metro wagons with China has been finalized during this period, alongside a contract for 113 domestic wagons.
“One train set from the domestic contract has already been delivered and is operating on the lines,” he said. “Two more train sets are ready for operation and will begin service in the coming days.” Furthermore, two foreign-made train sets are scheduled to be added to the Tehran metro service according to the timetable. Over 50% of the previous train sets have also been overhauled and updated, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade of the existing fleet.
Tangible Results: A 23% Drop in Pollutants
Citing the latest emissions inventory from 2022, Babaei presented concrete evidence of the policy’s effectiveness. “The total pollutants have decreased from 701,000 tons in 2017 to 537,000 tons in 2022,” he announced. “This means that the total pollutants have been reduced by approximately 23 percent.”
This data confirms that the push for cleaner transportation is yielding positive results. The official noted that while the number of highly polluted days may not reflect a dramatic change due to stricter, updated air quality index standards in 2023, the emissions inventory clearly shows a substantial 23% reduction in Tehran’s pollution between 2017 and 2022.
Parallel Focus on Urban Safety
In a related urban safety initiative, the municipality is rigorously addressing building code violations. Babaei confirmed that two well-known shopping centers, Champs-Élysées and Aluminum, were recently sealed due to slow progress on required safety measures. After obtaining commitments from the owners, the closures were temporarily lifted to allow for the completion of the safety retrofitting process.
He also addressed the status of the iconic Alaeddin Passage, noting that while some safety issues have been addressed, a range of safety deficiencies remain unresolved. “It has not yet obtained a safety certificate,” Babaei said. “If this situation continues, it is not far-fetched to expect the closure of this building, as it is a very unsafe complex despite the high traffic of citizens.” He strongly advised the public to avoid the premises for their own safety until all necessary measures are completed.
