The Big Circle Line (BCL) of the Moscow Metro is set to become Russia’s first automated metro line by 2030. The authorities in the Russian capital have announced that all 94 trains operating on this line will be fitted with automated operating systems, as part of a wide-ranging programme to digitise urban transport.
The technology will be rolled out in several stages. By the end of 2026, the first automated train will begin regular service without passengers, following the same timetable as commercial trains. It will operate on the same infrastructure and maintain the intervals typical of the Moscow Metro, which during peak hours are as short as 90 seconds between trains.
From 2027, tests with passengers on board will begin, and by 2030 the entire fleet on the Big Circle Line will switch to automated operation.
Automated systems and artificial intelligence for train operations
The 94 trains will be equipped with modern automatic train operation (ATO) systems and computer vision technologies, and will be in constant communication with the traffic control centre. The driver’s cabs will incorporate LiDAR sensors, and operations will be coordinated by specialised software designed to ensure the safe and precise movement of trains.
At the same time, all 29 stations on the Big Circle Line will be fitted with a system for detecting objects on the track, developed by the Moscow Research and Development Centre for Automated Transport. This will enable the rapid identification of any obstacles on the tracks and will help to enhance operational safety.
“In accordance with the directives of the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, we are continuing to develop high-tech infrastructure on the Big Circle Line. Automated trains will run at the same intervals as at present. At the same time, we will ensure the highest level of safety for passengers. A track intrusion detection system, developed by specialists at the capital’s Research and Development Centre for Automated Transport, will be installed at all 29 stations on the line. “This will enable the rapid identification of foreign objects on the tracks,” said Maksim Liksutov, Moscow’s Deputy Mayor responsible for Transport and Industry.
The Big Circle Line is the world’s longest circular metro line, stretching approximately 70 km and serving 31 stations.
Its automation is one of the most significant technological projects undertaken by the Moscow Metro and aims to increase service reliability, improve safety and optimise operations, without reducing the very high frequency of train services.
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