To prevent canoeing through flooded tunnels, the metro project in Omsk was secured by measures meant to deter intruders. Recent reports from a local information outlet noted this precautionary step.
At the end of January, officials indicated they were prepared to allocate more than 10 million rubles for protective activities. The funding was provided by the Customer Office for the Construction of Transport Facilities and Hydraulic Structures, which tasked a contractor with staffing two round‑the‑clock security posts at the unfinished Kristall and Zarechnaya stations from March through December 24 of the current year. Each post is required to operate with a minimum of four workers who do not carry specialized protective equipment or weapons. Their responsibilities include patrolling the sites and preventing unauthorized access.
As of March 1, a private security firm named Asgard began implementing these duties. A deputy governor of the Omsk region explained the rationale behind the security posts, citing past incidents where uninvited visitors entered the closed space. In 2021, local residents reportedly traversed the flooded tunnel using inflatable boats and even held a barbecue at the unfinished station, underscoring the need for controlled access.
Security officials stressed that such measures are necessary to prevent similar intrusions in the future and to safeguard the ongoing works. The deputy noted that maintaining controlled access would help ensure safety and protect the project from disruption caused by unofficial activity.
The idea of an Omsk metro dates back to 1986. Construction only commenced in 1992 after funding became available, and the project was slated for completion in 2008. Delays followed over the years due to financial constraints. Recently, there were indications that authorities might pursue a federal infrastructure loan and instead inaugurate a light rail line in the city, diverging from the original metro plan.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Transport suggested that Omsk would finalize a plan for a single-station metro option. This revised approach would align with evolving urban transport strategies while addressing budgetary realities and regional transportation needs (Assessment by transportation authorities, official statements).