Moscow Central Circle

Moscow Central Circle
Name	Moscow Central Circle
Native name	Московское центральное кольцо
Type	Metro / Commuter rail
System	Moscow Metro
Status	Operational
Locale	Moscow
Stations	31
Open	10 September 2016
Owner	Russian Railways
Operator	Moscow Metro
Character	Elevated, at-grade, underground
Stock	ES2G Lastochka
Linelength	54 km
Electrification	25 kV AC overhead catenary

Moscow Central Circle. The Moscow Central Circle is a 54-kilometer orbital urban rail line encircling central Moscow, integrated into the city's rapid transit network. Opened in 2016, it utilizes upgraded Russian Railways infrastructure to provide a crucial transport link, alleviating congestion on the Moscow Metro's radial lines and connecting key districts. Operated by the Moscow Metro but owned by Russian Railways, it represents a major public transport development in the Russian capital.

History

The line's origins trace back to the Moscow Little Ring Railway, a freight railway built between 1903 and 1908 under Tsar Nicholas II. For over a century, it served industrial enterprises, playing a role during the Battle of Moscow in World War II. Proposals for passenger service emerged in the Soviet era, with serious planning revived in the 2000s by the Government of Moscow under Sergei Sobyanin. Major reconstruction began in 2012, involving Russian Railways and contractors like Mosmetrostroy, transforming the corridor for modern EMU operation. The line was inaugurated on 10 September 2016, ahead of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, with full integration into the Moscow Metro fare system completed shortly after.

Infrastructure and operations

The infrastructure is a blend of rebuilt embankments, new viaducts, and several tunnel sections, including a major one near Kutuzovsky Prospekt. It operates on 25 kV AC overhead line electrification, distinct from the Moscow Metro's third rail system. Operations are managed from the Cherkizovo depot, with trains running from 5:45 AM to 1:00 AM at intervals as short as 4 minutes during rush hour. The line is fully automated with a train control system supplied by Alstom, allowing for high-frequency service. Security is provided by the Moscow Police and monitored via extensive CCTV networks.

Stations

All 31 stations are newly constructed or thoroughly reconstructed, featuring modern designs by architects like Nikolay Shumakov. Key interchanges include Delovoy Tsentr (with the Moscow Metro and Moscow Central Diameters), Khoroshyovo (for Kiyevsky railway station), and Luzhniki (serving the Luzhniki Stadium). Stations like Botanichesky Sad provide access to the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, while Izmaylovo serves the Izmaylovo Kremlin tourist complex. Each station offers amenities like ticket vending machines, elevators, and integration with Mosgortrans surface transport networks.

Rolling stock

The line is exclusively served by 36 five-car ES2G Lastochka electric multiple units, manufactured by Sinara-Siemens at the Ural Locomotives plant. These trains are adapted for rapid transit with wide doors, open gangways, and a top speed of 120 km/h, though they typically operate at 80-90 km/h on the circuit. The interiors feature LED lighting, USB charging ports, and dynamic route maps. Maintenance and storage are centralized at the purpose-built Cherkizovo depot, which also handles servicing for other Lastochka trains used on the Moscow Central Diameters.

Integration with Moscow Metro

The Moscow Central Circle is fully integrated into the Moscow Metro network, using a unified fare system (Troika card) and appearing on all metro maps as Line 14 (identified by a white line and red stations). Over half of its stations offer direct cross-platform or covered passageway transfers to Moscow Metro stations, such as at Vladykino (with Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya line) and Kutuzovskaya (with Filyovskaya line). This integration, overseen by the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development of Moscow, has significantly reduced travel times across the city, exemplified by the connection between Kievsky railway station and Sheremetyevo International Airport via the Moscow Metro.

Future development

Plans include the potential addition of up to three new stations, such as one near the Moscow International Business Center, to further increase density. Development is closely tied to the expansion of the Moscow Central Diameters network, with the Central Circle acting as a key interchange hub. Proposals also exist for extending some platforms to accommodate longer eight-car Lastochka trains to meet rising passenger demand. These developments are part of the broader Moscow transport strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity ahead of major events and supporting urban growth in areas like the former ZIL industrial district.

Category:Railway lines in Moscow Category:Moscow Metro Category:2016 establishments in Russia