Moscow sets out metro development plan

RUSSIA: Moscow Metro General Manager Dmitry Gaev has revealed plans for further expansion of the network over the period from 2010 to 2015.

Gaev hopes to see a further 130 km built by 2015, of which 60 km is already included in the city's budget. Funding for the remainder will come from the federal government.

Among the projects envisaged is a second ring line, construction of which is due to start in 2011. Moscow Metro also expects greater private sector involvement in infrastructure work. In 2009, Myakininskaya station on the Strogino - Volokolamsya line is to be built by Krokus Ltd, the first time a private contractor has undertaken such a project.

On March 14, RZD agreed plans to convert the circular railway for passenger use to relieve congestion on the metro (RG 4.08 p212).