The Mayor of Moscow announced the completion of the rolling stock renewal program for the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD). “A major event for the transport industry. This is a massive program that has now been completed,” the Mayor stated.

According to a press release, the following train models are currently in service for passengers:

  • on MCD-1 (77 trains total): EP2D, “Ivolga”, and “Aeroexpress”;
  • on MCD-2 (87 trains total): EP2D and “Ivolga”;
  • on MCD-3 (122 trains total): EP2D, “Lastochka”, and “Ivolga”;
  • on MCD-4 (112 trains total): EP2D, EP2DM, and “Ivolga”.

The average age of the trains operating on the diameters is 4.5 years. Since 2014, a total of 398 new trains have been delivered to the MCD. ED4M series electric trains (produced since 1996) are no longer in service on the diameters, according to the materials. They might still be encountered within Moscow, arriving from distant suburbs.

The next stage is the renewal of the rolling stock on the Yaroslavl direction of the Moscow Railway, which is not part of the MCD system but is the busiest in the Central Transport Hub. Currently, 92 trains operate on this line, with an average age of 17 years. In June, four “Ivolga” model trains began service, with plans to renew the entire fleet by 2030.

This will be followed by the renewal of trains on the Paveletsky direction and on routes to Tula, Kaluga, Vladimir, and other cities.

It was also announced that under a new contract, approximately 700 new carriages are planned for the Moscow metro. “This is practically the full capacity of our domestic industry,” it was stated. “Therefore, at this pace, roughly 350-370 carriages per year, we will continue to renew the train fleet.”

Moscow Central Diameters

The Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) are a network of surface railway lines that function as a high-capacity commuter rail system for the city. Launched in 2019, they were created by upgrading and integrating existing but previously separate suburban rail lines, connecting Moscow’s outskirts to the city center and each other. The system is designed to reduce congestion by providing a fast, convenient alternative to the metro, significantly improving urban transport.

Moscow Railway

The Moscow Railway is the central hub of Russia’s vast railway network, with its history deeply linked to the country’s industrial and urban growth. Originating from the first line to St. Petersburg in 1851, the system expanded dramatically, with iconic stations like the Kazansky Terminal becoming architectural landmarks. Today, it is a critical artery for the capital’s transport, including the famous Moscow Central Circle commuter line.

Central Transport Hub

The Central Transport Hub is a modern Polish infrastructure project designed to integrate air, rail, and road transport into a single, efficient interchange. Its construction began near Warsaw in the 2020s, with the goal of creating one of the most advanced hubs in Europe. The project aims to significantly improve connectivity for the capital region and the entire country.

Yaroslavl direction

The Yaroslavl direction refers to the major transportation route leading northeast from Moscow towards the historic city of Yaroslavl. This corridor has been a vital trade and cultural artery for centuries, connecting the capital to the ancient cities of Russia’s Golden Ring. The area is historically significant as part of the early heartland of the Russian state.

Paveletsky direction

The Paveletsky direction is a major railway line radiating from Moscow’s Paveletsky Station, primarily serving southern Russia. Historically, it was a vital supply route during World War II. Today, it connects the capital to key cities like Voronezh and Volgograd, as well as popular resort areas on the Sea of Azov.

Tula

Tula is an ancient Mesoamerican city in central Mexico, best known as the capital of the Toltec civilization between the 10th and 12th centuries. Its most famous monuments are the Atlantean figures, massive stone statues of warriors that once stood atop a pyramid temple. The city was a major political and cultural center before its decline and was later held in high regard by the Aztecs, who considered the Toltecs as their cultural predecessors.

Kaluga

Kaluga is a historic city in western Russia, founded in the 14th century as a border fortress of the Principality of Moscow. It is most famously associated with space exploration pioneer Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, who lived and worked there; the city now hosts the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics.

Vladimir

Vladimir is a historic city in western Russia, founded in the 12th century. It served as the capital of the powerful medieval state of Rus and is famed for its magnificent white stone cathedrals, like the Dormition Cathedral, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These architectural masterpieces represent a key period in the development of Russian art and culture.