By the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 7 October 2025, No. 291, the “Master Plan for the Development of Astara City Through 2039” has been approved.

Located in the southern region of Azerbaijan along the Caspian Sea and granted city status in 1945, Astara’s new Master Plan aims to ensure efficient urban development, rational use of land resources, and increased accessibility to social infrastructure. The plan emphasizes maintaining and enhancing the existing urban structure, densifying residential neighborhoods, increasing building heights, renewing obsolete structures, creating modern multi-family residential complexes, and developing coastal recreation and multifunctional zones.

According to projections, by 2039, the city’s population is expected to reach 22,500. Renewal of the housing stock is anticipated to increase residential space by 60%, raising the per capita living area from an average of 18.7 m² to 30 m². The plan includes constructing mid-rise buildings (5–8 floors) and, for the first time in Astara’s urban development practice, high-rise complexes (9 floors and above). Green recreational zones are proposed in the centers of new residential districts to provide residents with a comfortable and convenient urban environment.

Considering population growth and social needs, the Master Plan outlines the improvement of city infrastructure and the renovation of existing facilities. By 2039, demand for preschool education will reach 1,350 places. The total number of school places will increase from 3,010 to 4,070, including 1,060 additional seats. As the administrative center of the district, residents of both Astara and surrounding villages will benefit from modern services provided by new healthcare, cultural, and public catering facilities.

Taking into account the district’s agricultural development—particularly tea cultivation, citrus farming, and vegetable growing—and the absence of large industrial enterprises in Astara, an industrial zone will be created on the outskirts of the city, encompassing a tea factory, bakery, and other production facilities. In the first phase, some small-scale industrial enterprises currently located in residential areas will be relocated to this industrial zone.

The city’s transportation network, a critical part of its infrastructure, is also slated for improvement. By the end of the planning period, the length of main streets and roads will increase by 50% to 33 km, while the public transport network will expand by 238.5% to reach 22 km. Bicycle and pedestrian routes will be established to enhance mobility and improve overall transport infrastructure.

Astara’s favorable natural and climatic conditions make it suitable for greening. By the end of the planning period, the total area of green spaces will reach 22.5 hectares, providing an average of 10 m² of greenery per resident. Additionally, the Master Plan emphasizes the development of a seaside boulevard along the Caspian, including leisure and wellness complexes. Recreational zones with green environments will cater to the needs of residents and tourists alike.

The Master Plan for Astara City through 2039 seeks to preserve the city’s natural characteristics and existing urban structure while promoting a modern urban environment. It aims to foster sustainable development, ecological balance, social welfare, and tourism potential in Astara.