The Moscow Metro continues its planned modernization of track infrastructure. On new lines and upgraded sections, seamless rails—known as velvet tracks—are increasingly being used, providing enhanced comfort and reliability for train travel.
Currently, the metro already has nearly 400 km of seamless tracks. New lines are built with long rails from the start, while on existing lines, jointed rails are gradually being replaced as part of the infrastructure renewal program.
Key benefits of seamless tracks for passengers:
- Increased comfort: Train movement becomes smoother and almost silent.
- Improved safety and reliability: The absence of joints reduces rail wear and enhances track stability.
- Higher speeds: Improved track conditions allow for faster travel.

A crucial technology in creating seamless tracks is aluminothermic welding, which joins rails into a single continuous structure.
In 2024, four new stations on Line 16 were opened. Nearly 20 km of seamless tracks were laid in both directions on this section. Overall, on the operational section of the line from Novomoskovskaya to ZIL, over 50 km of seamless rails, 160,000 reinforced concrete half-sleepers, and hundreds of kilometers of cable lines for train control systems were installed.
To make train rides even smoother and quieter, we are modernizing the existing infrastructure. We are installing seamless tracks on all new and many existing metro lines. We continue to make passenger trips more comfortable and safer, following the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, said Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
The comprehensive infrastructure modernization—including rail upgrades, automation and telemechanics development, and rolling stock renewal—has achieved one of the best indicators in Europe: the average speed of trains in the Moscow Metro, including stops, is 41 km/h, with a maximum permitted speed of up to 80 km/h.
Lines 8, 15, 16 lead in average travel speed.




