Moscow metro

The Moscow Metro is the most popular and therefore the most overcrowded public transport facility of the city. Plans proposing the construction of an underground train system in Moscow were first made in 1902 and then later in 1912. However, the outset of World War I, and later the revolution, delayed the start of the project for many years. The first line of the Moscow Metro, the Sokolnicheskaya Line, was opened in 1935 and included 13 stations. Currently, the metro system has grown into an enormous network of 11 lines and over 160 stations, with new stations opening every year. The peculiar and impressive design of the Moscow metro stations was worked out and put into life by prominent Russian architects, artists and sculptors. Therefore the stations of the Moscow subway system have often been called "the people"s palaces" for their designs, generous use of marble in the decoration, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. These stations, built during Stalin'[s rule, were meant to show the best of Soviet architecture and design, and show how privileged the lifestyle of the Russian people was. During the World War II the Chistiye Prudy station was used as a centre for Supreme Command HQ and the Soviet Army General Staff. The Mayakovskaya station was used as a command post for the city's anti-aircraft batteries, and in 1941 it hosted an underground ceremony to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the October Revolution.