Novosibirsk transforms road maintenance under Mayor Kudryavtsev's bold reforms

Novosibirsk has overhauled its road maintenance system under Mayor Maxim Kudryavtsev. Since taking office, he has centralised operations, expanded the workforce, and invested in new equipment. The changes aim to improve efficiency and working conditions for city staff. Before Kudryavtsev became mayor, road maintenance in Novosibirsk was split between the city department and local districts. This fragmented approach led to delays and inefficiencies. One of his first moves was to create a unified command structure within the Road Maintenance Department.

The city's workforce saw significant growth under the new system. When Kudryavtsev took charge, only 170 roadworkers were employed. By April 2025, that number had more than doubled to 400. An additional 450 manual labourers were hired to focus on sidewalks, bus stops, and stairways.

Wages also increased to attract and retain staff. Roadworkers now earn between 60,000 and 65,000 rubles, while heavy equipment operators receive 90,000 to 110,000 rubles. The city's equipment fleet expanded as well, with 175 new specialised units added over two years. The total fleet now stands at 800 units, though officials estimate 1,200 are needed for full operational capacity.

During the 2024–2025 winter, the improved system cleared over 2,700 cubic meters of snow. Looking ahead, the city plans to invest 5 billion rubles in building a more resilient maintenance system, with an additional 1 billion rubles allocated annually for upkeep. Despite these advancements, Novosibirsk's top infrastructure priority remains the metro's master development plan. The reforms have strengthened Novosibirsk's ability to manage roads and public spaces. With a larger workforce, better pay, and more equipment, the city aims to maintain higher service standards. Future funding will focus on long-term resilience, though the metro system remains the primary development goal.