Moscow, December 16, 2025 — The year 2025 will rightly go down in history as a landmark year for breakthrough developments in Moscow’s tram system. The city has implemented several key projects that will shape the future of this mode of urban transport for decades to come. These include the launch of Russia’s first fully autonomous tram, the commissioning of catenary-free tram segments for battery-powered vehicles, and the inauguration of Moscow’s first Tram Diameter (MTD).
Today, December 16, 2025, these achievements were further enhanced with the opening of Moscow’s second catenary-free line—marking the return of Tram No. 5 to its route along Trifonovskaya Street, connecting Belorussky Railway Termunal and Rizhskaya Metro Station, after a 30-year absence.
To implement this project, specialists from the Moscow Metro undertook extensive reconstruction work: rails, sleepers, and the entire track surface were completely replaced. New tram tracks have been laid along Giljarovskogo Street between Trifonovskaya Street and Rizhskaya Square, and a modern turning loop has been installed near Rizhskaya Metro Station.
State-of-the-art seamless rail-laying technology was used, incorporating rubber seals and specialized vibration-dampening mats. This ensures quiet, smooth tram operation—enhancing comfort for both passengers and residents of neighboring streets. The new segment has been fully integrated into Moscow’s existing tram network, with three rail switches at the intersection of Trifonovskaya and Obraztsova Streets completely modernized.
Tram route No. 5 is operated by modern Lvyonok-Moskva trams. These vehicles travel over 4 kilometers—from Obraztsova Street to Rizhskaya Metro Station and back—entirely on battery power, without needing overhead wires.
“2025 has truly been a transformative year for Moscow’s tram system. We’ve not only launched Russia’s first autonomous tram and the first Moscow Tram Diameter—we’ve also continued expanding our infrastructure, bringing trams back to neighborhoods where they haven’t run for decades. The opening of the line along Trifonovskaya Street is a significant step forward, demonstrating the effectiveness of battery-powered operation and the city’s commitment to building a modern, comfortable, and eco-friendly transport system for Muscovites,” said Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport.
Beyond transport infrastructure, comprehensive urban improvements have been carried out along Trifonovskaya Street and adjacent areas. Rizhskaya Square now features a welcoming public space with landscaped greenery and cozy seating areas—significantly enhancing the overall urban environment.
Looking ahead, plans include launching Moscow’s second Tram Diameter (T2), running from Novogireyevo MCD station to Chertanovskaya Metro Station, as well as further expansion of the tram network. Priority projects include extending lines along Entuziastov Highway into the Ivanovskoye District and along Akademika Korolyova Street to the Ostankino TV Center and Ostankino MCD station—making the tram network even more accessible and extending service to new areas of the capital.
About the Moscow Tram:
The Moscow tram is one of the city’s oldest and most dynamically developing public transport systems. In recent years, Moscow has actively pursued ambitious projects to modernize and expand its tram network, introduce cutting-edge technologies, and improve passenger comfort—solidifying its status as a global leader in smart urban mobility.