Russia plans mass rollout of biometrics on rail network

Russia plans to introduce biometric technologies and services based on the national Max messenger across its railway network as part of a broader digitalisation drive, the Transport Ministry has said.

The announcement followed a nationwide meeting on railway development chaired by Minister Andrey Nikitin at the government's Coordination Centre ahead of Railway Workers' Day, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The ministry said digitalisation, including the use of artificial intelligence, remains one of the key priorities for the development of Russia's railway sector.

"Mass implementation of biometrics and services based on the national Max messenger is planned," the ministry said.

The ministry noted that biometric services are already being actively introduced in Russia. Biometric boarding is currently available on several long-distance rail routes, while Russian Railways (RZD) has begun selling commuter train tickets through the Max national messenger in several regions.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov