On October 1, 2026, a new entrance opened at the “Moscow City” station on MCD-1: the north lobby, with an exit to Shmitovsky Proezd, began operations. Along with it, the third platform began serving passengers. The opening was reported that morning by “MSK News” and “Moskvich Mag”; as of the time this article was prepared, no separate press release had yet been issued by the Moscow authorities or Russian Railways.
The change will be particularly noticeable to those arriving from the direction of Shmitovsky Proezd and Shelepikhinskaya Embankment. Now, MCD-1 can be accessed from the north. An above-ground route to the metro stations and the “Shelepikha” MCC station begins at the entrance to the station lobby; passengers walk this section along the street.
What Has Changed for Passengers
Until October, MCD-1 passengers used the south lobby. It provided access to MCD-4 and a passage under the Third Transport Ring. The new exit provides a shorter route from the north side of the tracks. We’ve covered the changes to pedestrian routes between “Shelepikha” and the business district in a separate article.
There is a caveat regarding the third platform. According to the design, it is intended, among other things, for future stops by trains on the Usovskaya Line and the Moscow–Odintsovo express trains. On the morning of October 1, these trains were still passing through “Moscow City” without stopping. Russian Railways (RZD) and the Central Moscow Suburban Railway (TsPPK) have not yet announced a date for the schedule change. It’s best to check your route in the carrier’s app before traveling.
The second phase opened later than originally scheduled
The main part of the “Moscow City” city station on MCD-1 opened on April 16. At that time, two covered platforms, each 287 meters long, and the south concourse became available to passengers. The northern entrance and another platform—the second phase of the project—remained behind barriers.
Initially, the launch was expected in the summer. Reports in April cited August as the target date. Ultimately, the new facilities began serving passengers on October 1; no public explanation was given for the delay.
“Lastochka” trains to Minsk and Smolensk now stop at City
On the same day, the station received a new schedule for long-distance trains. The “Lastochka” trains from Moscow to Minsk and from Moscow to Smolensk began stopping here.
The Russian Railways announcement lists seven train pairs: three to Minsk and four to Smolensk. They are scheduled on different days, so the number of stops per day varies. For example, on October 1, six pairs of trains were scheduled to stop at “Moscow City”—train No. 727/728 did not run that day.
The practical benefit is immediately apparent: after a meeting in the business district, you can board a train right next to the towers, without having to travel to Belorussky Station. The return trip is also easier. From Minsk or Smolensk, a passenger gets off at City and continues their journey via MCD-1, MCD-4, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), or the metro.
