Published on: 2026-08-18
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Today, the Moscow metro fleet already comprises 6,900 cars, the maintenance of which would be impossible without a network of modern electric depots. Sergey Sobyanin spoke about this in his blog.
The development of the metro system is a strategic priority of the Moscow Government. Since 2010, the number of metro stations, including Moscow Central Circle (MCC) increased from 182 to 306. Over a decade and a half, the capital opened the MCC, the Big Circle Line, the Nekrasovskaya, Solntsevskaya, and Troitskaya lines. In 2026, the first stations of the Rublevo-Arkhangelskaya line will open, followed by the Biryulyovsky radius and many other projects.
“New lines mean new trains. Moreover, at the same time, we are implementing one of the largest rolling stock renewal programs in the world on the existing lines, increasing the share of new trains from 13 to 80 percent. In 2026 and 2027, the fleet will be supplemented by 700 cars of the latest series ‘Moscow-2026’,” noted Sergey Sobyanin.
Metro trains are serviced by 23 electric depots. Since 2011, 14 of them have been built or reconstructed. Nine of the depots are completely new: Mitino, Likhobory, Solntsevo, Nizhegorodskoye, Brateyevo, Rudnevo, Aminevskoe, Yuzhnoye, and Stolbovo. Each of them is a large production complex employing hundreds, and sometimes more than a thousand specialists.
Solntsevo Depot: the main gateway for new trains
One of the largest electric depots — “Solntsevo” — was opened eight years ago. It not only services the trains of the Solntsevskaya line, but has also become the main gateway for the new rolling stock of the Moscow metro: modern cars arrive here via a special railway branch to undergo commissioning and testing.
“The complex’s capacity allows it to keep up to 40 trains overnight at the holding area simultaneously and repair another 10, and its staff exceeds 850 specialists. Among other things, the Solntsevo depot is equipped with unique equipment — a machine that allows the simultaneous turning of two wheel pairs,” said the Mayor of Moscow.
The first trains for the future Rublyovo-Arkhangelskaya line have already arrived at the electric depot. By the time the first stations open, it will receive 12 of the latest “Moscow-2026” train sets. Until the construction of the “Novorizhskoye” depot is completed, they will be kept here for overnight parking.
The “Yuzhnoye” depot and the “Brateyevo” complex: the most powerful cluster in Europe
The Southern electric depot and the Brateyevo wagon repair complex, opened in 2025, have formed the most powerful and technologically advanced metro train service cluster in Europe. It will reach its designed capacity in the near future, and its staff will grow to 1,300 specialists.
Up to 850 railcars will be serviced here annually, approximately 8,500 wheelsets will be restored, and over 6,400 traction motors will be repaired — this is an absolute record for similar facilities in Russia.
The plant’s capabilities allow for the most complex repairs of all types of metro trains, including the newest “Moscow-2024” and “Moscow-2026,” as well as maintaining older generation models such as “Numbered” and “Rusich,” which still remain in the metro fleet.
“Among the unique equipment at ‘Brateevo’ is a robotic stand for diagnosing wheelsets. The wheelset drives onto a special platform where the equipment automatically conducts a comprehensive inspection: it performs precise measurements of geometric parameters and defectoscopy, detecting even hidden damages,” added Sergey Sobyanin.
“Stolbovo”: the first in TiNAO
The Stolvovo electric depot, opened in August 2025, became the first in TiNAO. The new complex temporarily serves the Troitskaya line, whose fleet consists 100 percent of the newest “Moscow-2024” train sets. In 2029, after the commissioning of the Troitskoye depot, Stolvovo will switch to the Sokolnicheskaya line.
The complex covers more than 15.8 hectares, on which over 50 buildings have been erected. It houses a 33-trench repair and maintenance building, an automatic wheelset diagnostics post operating at speed, and its own motor depot.
Three connecting branches built using the open method link the depot with the Sokolnicheskaya line, while a tunnel over a kilometer long connects it with the Troitskaya line.
“‘Stolbovo’ is also equipped with modern equipment for the maintenance and repair of rolling stock. For example, the depot has a wheel lathe that allows processing up to 50 wheels per day without removing the wheelsets from under the car. This technology significantly reduces the time trains spend in service,” emphasized the Mayor of Moscow.
One of the technological features of the Stolbovo depot is the presence of retractable sectional platforms on the repair tracks for servicing and repairing the train’s climate control systems located on the roofs of the cars. Thanks to modern equipment, the entire maintenance cycle can be completed in the shortest possible time.
The company has created 1,600 jobs.
Care for employees
According to the Mayor of Moscow, today’s electric depots are no longer just production workshops but rather technological, bright, and cozy spaces where employee welfare is paramount. Before or after their shifts, they can have a meal in spacious canteens, with the employer covering the food expenses.
Hotel-style rest rooms are equipped for locomotive crews. Here, they can get a good sleep before their shift, and the duty officer will definitely wake the driver by the start of the working day.
Before starting their route, train drivers undergo a mandatory pre-trip medical examination. Doctors check blood pressure and pulse, and assess overall health condition.
After a shift, you can relax in recovery rooms equipped with massage chairs, where calm music plays and an atmosphere for relaxation is created. To maintain good physical condition, the depot has modern sports and gym facilities.
There are also utility rooms, including laundries, ironing rooms, and storage rooms for work clothes. Thanks to modern equipment, washing and preparing the uniform for the next shift take minimal time.
In addition, modern training classrooms are equipped in the “Yuzhnoye” electric depot for staff qualification improvement. Train simulators “Moscow-2026” are installed here to practice practical skills, allowing training to be as close as possible to real working conditions.
In the coming years, three more depots will be built in Moscow. “Biryulyovskoye” will serve the new Biryulyovskaya line, while “Troitskoye” will become the key base for trains on the Troitskaya line. Their construction is planned to be completed in 2029. “Novorizhskoye” will ensure the operation and further development of the Rublyovo-Arkhangelskaya line. Its opening is scheduled for 2027.
“Metro stations and trains are always visible to passengers. But behind each train set that goes on the line exactly on schedule and with record-short intervals is the round-the-clock work of thousands of specialists at the electrical depot — the heart of the Moscow metro. Therefore, we will definitely continue working on their development,” concluded the Mayor of Moscow.
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