The thematic train for the 2026 elections has been launched in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On August 5, 2026, 17:56 Society NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Inna Koroleva A themed branded train dedicated to the elections of deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation of the ninth convocation and the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region of the eighth convocation was launched on the Avtozavodskaya line of the Nizhny Novgorod metro. The project is implemented as part of a nationwide educational campaign, which this year will cover only three Russian metros. A correspondent from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" attended the launch ceremony of the train.

      Nizhny Novgorod has become the second city after Moscow where passengers will be able to see a themed train. A similar train began operating in the capital's metro a few days earlier. Following Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk will join the campaign - the launch of the branded train there is expected in the coming weeks.

      Thus, the project will unite three of the largest metros in the country. As the organizers note, its goal is to inform passengers about the history of the Russian electoral system, the stages of its development, and the modern technologies used in organizing elections in an accessible form.

      The current launch also has symbolic significance. It is timed not only to the upcoming elections of deputies of the State Duma and the regional Legislative Assembly but also to the 120th anniversary of the first elections to the State Duma of the Russian Empire.

      According to the chairwoman of the Nizhny Novgorod region electoral commission, Margarita Andreeva, the project has become part of an informational and explanatory campaign taking place in the run-up to the unified voting day.

      "The essence of this project is to inform and remind our voters that in less than two months they will need to make a choice that will determine the life of our country for the next five years," noted Margarita Andreeva.

      For the Nizhny Novgorod metro, thematic branding of trains has long been a common practice. Previously, trains dedicated to Victory Day and veterans of the special military operation have run on the line. However, the decoration of cars dedicated to the unified voting day is being used for the first time.

      As Oleg Yaushev, director of MP "Nizhny Novgorod Metro," explained, Nizhny Novgorod has become part of a federal project being implemented in several cities across the country.

      "We are following Moscow, and Novosibirsk is joining us, meaning three Russian metros from Moscow to Novosibirsk will operate with similar themes so that people can see and appreciate it," he emphasized.

      The development and application of the design were handled by the advertising company "Atom." According to the company's general director, Yakov Karpenko, despite the large scale of the project, the wrapping of four cars took only two to three days. However, the preparatory stage was significantly longer.

      "Technically, this is far from the first work we have done within the metro and in general for vehicle wrapping. But this is definitely a very large-scale project with four branded cars. I think the result is quite beautiful and presentable," Karpenko said.

      He explained that the overall preparation cycle - from concept and design development to coordinating layouts with the electoral commission and printing materials - took almost a month.

      A special easily removable film is used for decorating the cars, which does not damage the surface of the body and leaves no adhesive residue after dismantling. After the campaign ends, all decorative elements will be removed, and the paintwork of the cars will be fully restored.

      "We know that for the metro, the preservation of the body and cars is a very important point," noted Yakov Karpenko.

      The themed train will operate in the Nizhny Novgorod metro until September 30. It is currently running on the Avtozavodskaya line but can also operate on the Sormovskaya line if necessary.

      Some of the first passengers of the branded train were participants of the launch ceremony and ordinary residents of the city. The first passenger, Elena Obukhova, noted that such projects remind people of their rights and civic responsibility.

      Other passengers also commented on the unusual decoration of the cars. According to them, among the large amount of advertising, the themed train stands out noticeably, and the QR codes placed inside allow for quick access to information about the upcoming elections and familiarize themselves with it during the trip.

      Earlier, a correspondent from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" attended a seminar by the regional electoral commission dedicated to the upcoming elections. For details, visit our website. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+