Biometric boarding is being tested on Nizhny Novgorod–Moscow trains.

      26 December 2025 09:49 Society

      Testing of a biometric train boarding service has started on the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod route. RIA Novosti reports this citing the office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko. The tests also covered routes from the capital to Ivanovo and Kostroma.

      Plans to introduce biometric boarding were first revealed in November, when the project was described by the deputy head of Russian Railways, Ivan Kolesnikov. A full launch of the service is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

      The new system allows identity confirmation without presenting documents. The solution was developed by the Center for Biometric Technologies together with Russian Railways and is based on the Unified Biometric System.

      So far a limited number of passengers are participating in the testing. To use the new service, you must pre-register your biometrics at one of the authorized banks or even at home, via a mobile registration visit. After that you must give consent to the processing of personal data.

      Identification is carried out when boarding a carriage using a portable device operated by the conductor. At the same time, the passenger chooses how to confirm their identity — by passport or via biometrics.

      “Biometrics are voluntary. In all user scenarios the technology functions as an additional — the simplest and most comfortable — way of receiving services. To date the law strictly prohibits any discrimination, including restricting access to services for those who choose not to register their biometrics. Its registration is also possible only with the citizen’s consent,” the office emphasized.

      Earlier it was reported that the two-storey “Burevestnik” train will be increased to 15 carriages for the New Year holidays.

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