Moscow Metro introduces Digital Ruble, advancing the full-scale operation of CBDC

It has been revealed that the Digital Ruble, Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), was officially utilized for the first time in a major infrastructure project in Moscow. This initiative involved using the Digital Ruble to settle government contracts in the city’s subway expansion efforts, marking a significant milestone within Russia.

Global CBDC Competition and Moscow’s Strategic Positioning

As international competition around digital currencies accelerates, Moscow is gaining attention as a key implementation site for these new technologies. CBDCs issued by central banks are official legal tender utilizing blockchain technology, complementing traditional interbank settlement systems.

Currently, few countries have fully implemented CBDCs, but many nations, including China, are conducting large-scale pilot programs. This trend indicates that Moscow is functioning as an operational hub for Russia’s CBDC strategy amid the global push toward financial digitalization.

From Government Contracts to Payroll: Digital Ruble Usage in Moscow

In this case, the Digital Ruble was used under the supervision of VTB Bank to pay multiple construction contractors involved in the Moscow Engineering Department’s Mosinzhproekt project. Unlike traditional transfers, multiple contractors were able to receive funds instantly from their digital wallets simultaneously.

Senior officials in Moscow praised this technological achievement and announced plans to expand the use of the Digital Ruble for more infrastructure project settlements. Mosinzhproekt intends to gradually increase CBDC usage for equipment rental payments and is considering extending its application to employee salaries and expense reimbursements.

Maxim Gaman, CEO of Mosinzhproekt, stated, “The introduction of the Digital Ruble will enable greater convenience, faster settlements, and increased transparency.”

Transparency and Efficiency: Moscow City Government’s Expectations

The Moscow city government expects that the adoption of the Digital Ruble will eventually lead to more efficient budget allocation. Officials highlight that leveraging smart contract functionality can help prevent fraud and corruption. Enhancing transparency in public expenditures such as government contracts and social benefits is seen as particularly significant.

Moscow Deputy Mayor Maria Bagryaeva stated in an official announcement, “The integration of the Digital Ruble into Moscow’s financial and economic activities will continue. We anticipate an increase in the number of transactions,” indicating the city government’s strong commitment.

Expansion Plans and Pilot Role Toward 2028

Moscow’s subway expansion plan aims to add 13 new stations and extend the network by 27 kilometers by 2028. This major project will serve as a practical testing environment for the Digital Ruble.

Russia’s Central Bank disclosed the full scope of the Digital Ruble project in 2021, and by August 2023, real-world pilot operations had begun in 11 cities. Subsequently, Moscow’s subway system was designated as an official testing site, launching a pilot program in 2023. Initially, a limited number of Moscow residents could use their Digital Ruble balances to top up Troika smart transit cards.

Moving Toward Full Deployment

With the nationwide rollout in September 2025, Moscow has further strengthened its leading role in implementing this new financial technology. The focus is on how the Digital Ruble can address real-world challenges within infrastructure closely tied to daily life, such as the subway.

This movement exemplifies Russia’s proactive approach to participating in the international CBDC race. Moscow’s initiatives are not merely technological experiments but practical efforts to develop operational models for both government and private sector use in the digital currency era.