The Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) are a growing network of interconnecting suburban trains that go from the Moscow region, through Moscow, and back out into the wider region. Their layout, cutting through the middle of circular Moscow, is why they are referred to as “diameters”. This suburban electric train network is poised for a dramatic transformation that will reshape commuting across central Russia. While currently only serving the City of Moscow and nearest suburbs in the Moscow Region, ambitious plans envision extending these rail lines deep into neighboring regions, turning the MCD into a truly inter-state transport network.

The Vision: Regional Centers Within Commuting Distance

According to plans unveiled by city officials, all existing diameter lines will be extended to major regional centers, with implementation targeted by 2030 . The projected endpoints represent a massive expansion of the MCD footprint:

• MCD-1 (currently Odintsovo-Lobnya): Extended west to Mozhaysk (and eventually Smolensk), north to Kalyazin 
• MCD-2 (currently Nakhabino-Podolsk): Extended to Rzhev in the northwest and Tula in the south 
• MCD-3 (currently Zelenograd-Ramenskoye): Extended to Tver in the north and Ryazan in the southeast 
• MCD-4 (currently Aprelevka-Zheleznodorozhny): Extended to Kaluga in the southwest and Ivanovo in the northeast 

Additionally, the planned MCD-5, currently in the design phase, would connect Kostroma and Novomoskovsk, passing through central Moscow via a 10-12 kilometer tunnel—one of the most complex transport projects ever attempted in the capital . In total, the extended MCD network will span 11 regions of the Central Transport Hub. MCD-5 has been eagerly awaited by many Moscow Regional residents envious of other cities with continuous quick train service. Sadly, this titanic tunnel has proven difficult to create.

What This Means for Commuters

For residents of these regional centers, the extended diameters promise revolutionary changes:

Commute from a different state. So far only the Moscow Region can commute to Moscow quickly on the Diameter lines, but with the extension of the line another 9 states will be put onto the network. Real estate and other costs tend to be vastly lower in these regions than Moscow and will open up massive opportunities for working and middle class people. But the rail road goes two ways, and will allow capital and businesses in Moscow to easily extend outwards in turn.

Dramatically reduced travel times. By integrating regional rail into the MCD system, passengers will be able to reach central Moscow directly without transfers, bypassing highway congestion and lengthy approaches from peripheral stations .

Substantial fare savings. Based on experience with existing MCD lines, replacing conventional commuter trains with MCD service typically reduces travel costs by three to four times for regular passengers . While specific regional fare structures are still under discussion, officials indicate the Moscow “Troika” payment card—already accepted in several regions—could be used for seamless travel .

More frequent service. Train intervals to regional centers could shorten by two to six times compared to current schedules .

From Planning to Reality

While conceptual approval has been secured, detailed program elements remain under negotiation . Decisions on train types, schedules, service intensity, and fare integration beyond current MCD boundaries still require finalization. Deputy Mayor Maxim Liksutov has emphasized that the base fare system must enable convenient transfers and integration with other transport modes .

By 2030, if current plans hold, a resident of Tver, Kaluga, or Vladimir will be able to board a comfortable Ivolga train and reach central Moscow as easily as someone from the near suburbs does today—a transformation that would fundamentally redefine the relationship between Russia’s capital and its surrounding regions.