Nizhny Novgorod metro

Nizhny Novgorod Metro is a key part of the city’s transport infrastructure, providing efficient passenger travel along its main routes. The network comprises two lines and 15 stations. Opened in 1985, it was the first metro system in the Volga Federal District and ranks third in Russia by number of stations, after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The previous turnstile equipment had been in service since the metro opened in 1985. Wear and tear led to malfunctions, high maintenance costs, and increased energy consumption. To improve equipment reliability and make fare payment and passenger access more convenient, the metro decided to modernize its access control equipment.

Infomatika’s objectives were to:

• replace outdated turnstile equipment with modern smart turnstiles;
• support current fare payment methods and passenger identification technologies;
• make access more convenient for passengers, including people with reduced mobility, parents with strollers, and travelers with luggage;
• integrate the new equipment with the region’s existing transport system;
• reduce energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

Infomatika began upgrading the turnstile equipment in the Nizhny Novgorod Metro at Zarechnaya station. Specifically for this project, the company’s engineers developed a new version of the Contour EK smart turnstile, tailored to the requirements of the metro and the regional fare payment system. In 2025, the new turnstiles were installed at the entrances to both station vestibules.

The equipment is integrated with Citicard, the region’s existing transport payment operator. The new turnstiles allow passengers to use bank and transport cards, the Nizhny Novgorod Region Resident Card, QR code tickets, and biometric identification.

One of the features of the new version is the integrated aQsi cube validator. The device features a vandal-resistant touchscreen and an impact-resistant housing, is protected against moisture, and is designed to operate at low temperatures.

Infomatika’s specialists delivered the full scope of work, including equipment manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning. On October 24, 2025, Nizhny Novgorod Mayor Yuri Shalabaev tested the new turnstiles at Zarechnaya station.

Key Project Components

• Contour EK smart turnstiles. Developed for the Nizhny Novgorod Metro, this version controls passenger access and fare payment. The turnstiles support bank and transport cards, the Nizhny Novgorod Region Resident Card, QR code tickets, and biometric identification. The housings are made of stainless steel, and the gate panels are made of tempered glass. Color displays provide access information, while indicator lights show the direction of passage and whether access is permitted.
• Integrated aQsi cube validators. These accept payments directly at the turnstiles and connect the equipment to the regional transport system. The validators feature a vandal-resistant touchscreen, an impact-resistant housing, and protection against moisture.

Contour EK smart turnstiles are integrated with the Nizhny Novgorod Region’s existing transport system and Citicard operator. This integration enables the new equipment to support the fare payment methods and passenger identification technologies already used in the region.

Project Expansion in 2026

In 2026, modernization of the Nizhny Novgorod Metro continued at two stations. At Moskovskaya station, Infomatika installed 40 Contour EK smart turnstile units: 22 for entry and 18 for exit. The new equipment replaced turnstiles that had been in service at the station for more than 40 years.

Thanks to the compact turnstile housings, passageways became 30 centimeters wider. This made access more convenient for passengers with luggage, parents with strollers, and people with reduced mobility. The new turnstiles feature an integrated payment system and consume less electricity than the previous equipment.

On September 29, 2026, Anton Maksimov, Deputy Head of the Nizhny Novgorod City Administration, inspected the operation of the new turnstiles at Moskovskaya station. Oleg Yaushev, Director of the municipal enterprise Nizhny Novgorod Metro, also presented the results of the modernization.

Upgrades also continued at Zarechnaya station. Eight additional exit turnstiles were installed in 2026, extending the modernization to both the station’s entry and exit areas.

Scope of work:

1. Manufacture, supply, and installation of 66 Contour EK smart turnstile units in the new configuration.
2. Integration with the region’s existing transport payment operator.
3. Commissioning.