Two more Ermak train sets began regular operation on the Novosibirsk metro on 3 January, Mayor Maxim Kudryavtsev announced, marking another step in the city’s fleet modernisation programme. The arrival of the trains follows their delivery and ongoing technical checks, and city officials say the full order will be completed within weeks.
Novosibirsk Ermak trains reach the tracks
The mayor said that two further new sets will be launched by the end of January, bringing the number of Ermak trains operating on the system to four. In addition, the metro authority will deploy two extra trains on 4, 6, 8 and 9 January during large public events to shorten intervals and ease pressure during peak periods.
Five Ermak sets were delivered to Novosibirsk by the end of November, and engineers have been conducting technical inspections and trial runs to ensure full operational readiness. Field testing is a routine part of commissioning new rolling stock and allows technicians to confirm performance, safety systems and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
The contract for the trains was signed in 2024 with Metrovagonmash, a subsidiary of Transmashholding. Under the original terms the final batch was scheduled for delivery in 2026, but assembly for the Novosibirsk order was completed ahead of schedule. The project was developed by TMX Engineering and represents a modernised version of the Baltiets series produced at the Metrovagonmash plant.
City transport officials say the Ermak trains will increase capacity, improve service reliability and reduce waiting times for commuters. Shorter intervals during peak hours and special events will help manage passenger flows and lower platform congestion, improving the overall travel experience for residents and visitors.
Early delivery and rapid commissioning also reflect positively on the domestic rolling-stock industry and its supply chain. For the municipal budget, the faster introduction of new trains can mean lower operating stresses on older stock and potential savings in maintenance while delivering immediate benefits to riders.
Local authorities have been steadily investing in public transport upgrades as part of broader urban development plans. Modern trains can contribute to a safer, more comfortable commute and encourage greater use of public transport, a factor that has knock-on benefits for congestion and urban air quality.
For now, residents of Novosibirsk can expect to see more Ermak trains in daily service through January, with additional units brought online as inspections conclude. Officials have said they will monitor performance closely during the initial weeks of operation and adjust service patterns to match passenger demand.
Key Takeaways:
- Two additional Novosibirsk Ermak trains entered service on 3 January, city mayor announced.
- The remaining two new sets are due to join the fleet by the end of January, increasing capacity and reducing intervals.
- Extra trains will run on 4, 6, 8 and 9 January to ease peak loads during mass events.
- The trains were built by Metrovagonmash under a 2024 contract and completed ahead of the original 2026 schedule.
