The official opening of the locomotive maintenance centre (LMC) at the Luzhskaya station took place. LMC test operation has been carried out since October 2018. 

LMC became part of the operational locomotive depot Saint-Petersburg-Warsawsky of the Oktyabrskaya Traction Directorate (TChE-14). Locomotive maintenance will be performed by the Saint-Petersburg Sortirovochny-Vitebsky service depot of the LocoTech Northern Branch.

The new LMC will carry out technical maintenance of shunting diesel locomotives of the Russian Railways operating at Luzhskaya station, as well as locomotives arriving to Ust-Luga. It has been constructed with consideration of the length of the 3ES4K Donchak three-section locomotives, which are operated at the Babayevo-Luzhskaya line. In addition, it is able to maintain machines of VL10, VL15 series and cargo locomotives. The 2ES6 Sinara and 2ES10 Granit electric locomotives will also be able to be serviced. The LMC estimated capacity is 42 units per day, including 26 electric locomotives and 16 diesel locomotives.

Luzhskaya LMC is equipped with the most modern technology. Thus, a rolling stock wheelsets geometrical parameters measuring complex was installed, the measurements are performed automatically without the participation of a measurement technician, which will eliminate the influence of the human factor.

For the first time in Russia, an innovative complex of sandblitting devices was installed using auger sand feed instead of the traditional pneumatic one. Such solution will significantly reduce the mechanical wear of equipment resulting from the abrasive effect of sand. Inspection pits are equipped with LED directional lighting.

A complex is installed for refuelling of housings and motor-axial bearings that supplies heated lubricant to inspection pits. In order to maintain the batteries, a new system has been applied, which makes it possible to control the electrolyte level by the indicator and, if necessary, top it up with distilled water.