Ministry: Transport sector entering phase of large-scale transformation

Azerbaijan's transport sector is entering a phase of large-scale transformation, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Hummatov said at a meeting of the parliamentary committee on economic policy, industry, and entrepreneurship, Report informs.

According to him, one of the key trends is the introduction of autonomous vehicles, which are being tested in many countries.

Hummatov noted that such technologies not only change the operating principles of transport systems but also improve safety, efficiency, and service quality.

"From a safety perspective, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.2 million people die in road accidents worldwide every year. Around 90% of accidents are due to human error-inattention, fatigue, or violation of traffic rules.

In this context, autonomous vehicles are already demonstrating their potential in their early stages. AI-based control systems can reduce the risks associated with human error, thereby reducing the number of accidents and the severity of their consequences. This is an important step toward a safer and more efficient future of transportation," the deputy minister added.

According to the deputy minister, the technology also has economic benefits: it optimizes fuel consumption, improves logistics efficiency, and partially addresses the driver shortage.

"There is a global shortage of approximately 3.6 million drivers, and another 3.4 million are expected to retire in the next five years. This will exacerbate the global labor shortage," he noted.