The Moscow Ministry of Transport and Russian Railways are in discussions about introducing double-decker trains on Moscow’s central ring line, where daily passenger numbers already exceed 550,000 and are near the system’s capacity. The goal is to boost the ring road’s carrying capacity by increasing seat availability and enhancing overall passenger comfort. The new trains will offer features designed for modern urban travel, including bike racks, electric scooter charging, USB and TYPE-C ports for device charging, wireless charging, toilets with modern facilities, dedicated spaces for passengers with disabilities, touchscreens, and a suite of other conveniences designed to improve the travel experience.
In addition, the trains will feature wide doors to speed boarding and alighting, with a planned increase to three doors per car to reduce stop times and improve flow during peak periods.
Maxim Liksutov, head of the Department of Transport and Development of the City of Moscow, stated that the initiative is being pursued on behalf of the mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. He noted that the new rolling stock would be 100% a product and development of domestic manufacturers. The electric double-decker trains are expected to strengthen the national economy by generating new orders for manufacturers, encouraging operators to organize additional production, and creating employment opportunities. The project would require new competencies and lead to improved equipment quality, supporting import substitution and expanding industrial potential while helping mitigate the economic impact of sanctions. Above all, the aim is to increase passenger comfort, which remains the central priority for the project.