Minsk Metro Circle Line: 17 Stations, Construction Starts 2026

Minsk is actively developing its transport infrastructure, and one of the largest upcoming projects will be the construction of a metro circle line. This fourth branch of the capital’s metro, consisting of 17 stations, will begin construction as early as 2026. This was reported by several authoritative sources, referring to the statement of the chief engineer of the “Capital Transport and Communications” enterprise, Andrey Illarionov.

When will construction begin and what is known about the project?

The construction of the Minsk metro circle line is officially scheduled for 2026. The decision to start the project has already been made by the Minsk City Executive Committee, and preparatory work is underway right now. According to Andrey Illarionov, a significant portion of the route will run under the streets of the second transport ring, which will allow organic integration of the new line into the existing urban infrastructure. The circle line will include:

• 17 stations, 6 of which will become interchange hubs connecting the new branch with three existing metro lines;
• One or two depots for rolling stock maintenance.

This project is called “archi-important” for the capital of Belarus, emphasizing its complexity and high cost. However, the expected benefits for the city outweigh all difficulties.

Transport hubs and new opportunities

One of the key features of the project will be the creation of modern transport interchange hubs (TIHs) near the new stations. These hubs will provide convenient transfers from surface public transport to the metro, which is especially important for residents of Minsk’s residential districts.

How will this be organized?

• Stops and turning loops: Near the station exits, there will be stops and infrastructure for buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses.
• “Dry feet” principle: TIHs will be designed so that passengers can move from surface transport to the metro under canopies, protecting them from rain and snow. Station entrance areas and stops will be combined for maximum comfort.

An example of this approach is already the “Mogilevskaya” station, where trolleybus route No. 60 successfully brings passengers from nearby microdistricts, providing short intervals during rush hours.

Benefits of the circle line for Minsk

The construction of the metro circle line promises to bring many advantages to the city:

1. Relief of surface transport: Reducing feeder distances will shorten bus and trolleybus intervals, making public transport more convenient and competitive compared to private cars.
2. Environmental effect: Reducing the number of cars on the roads will improve air quality and reduce noise levels in the city.
3. Economic growth: TIHs will attract businesses — shops, business centers, and other facilities will appear near stations, creating jobs and increasing budget revenues.
4. Comfortable urban environment: Infrastructure around stations, including clinics, educational institutions, and retail outlets, will make life more convenient for Minsk residents.

Challenges and complexities of the project

Implementing a project of this scale is associated with a number of difficulties:

• High cost and the need to coordinate between numerous agencies, such as “Minskmetoproject,” “Minsktran” and district administrations.
• The route passes through densely populated microdistricts, each requiring an individual approach to reorganizing the transport network.
• Careful planning to avoid disruptions to the operation of existing infrastructure.

Despite this, experts are confident that the phased construction of the circle line will solve many of Minsk’s transport problems once and for all.

What’s next?

At the moment, engineers are actively working out project details. In the near future, meetings will be held with representatives of “Minskmetrostroi,” “Minskrado” and other organizations to discuss the creation of TIHs and the exact location of stations. At the same time, work on the route network for the new Zelenoluzhskaya branch is being completed, and the issue of access to the “Northern Shore” district, where a metro station is also planned, is being resolved. The Minsk metro circle line will be an important step in the development of the capital of Belarus. From 2026, Minsk will begin to transform, becoming a more mobile, eco-friendly, and comfortable city to live in.