Residents of Makhachkala and Kaspiysk pointed out the unresolved issue of trolleybus services to the authorities.

The investigation reported on the case regarding the cessation of trolleybus services between Makhachkala and Kaspiysk, but first and foremost, this mode of transport needs to be restored. Trolleybuses would be especially in demand against the backdrop of the fuel crisis and rising gasoline prices, local residents noted.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", in June 2026, residents of Makhachkala and Kaspiysk appealed to the chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin for assistance in restoring trolleybus services between the cities.

The head of the Investigative Committee for Dagestan, Alexander Suprun, held a personal reception for residents regarding the investigation of the criminal case related to the cessation of trolleybus services in Makhachkala, the agency reported on its Telegram channel on September 1.

"Residents of Makhachkala came to the reception regarding the investigation of the criminal case initiated in connection with crimes related to the cessation of trolleybus services in the city. During the reception, the applicants were given the necessary explanations regarding the criminal case, including the results of the investigation and the further consideration of the case in court. The execution of the instructions of the head of the investigative department has been taken under control," the agency's message said.

The residents who managed to meet with the head of the investigative department and reminded about the issue of trolleybus services were supported by a resident of Makhachkala Ramiz.

"The main thing is that there are no usual replies – they found the guilty party and punished them. And then what? We primarily need the restoration of trolleybus services in the city," he told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

The increase in fare did not lead to an improvement in public transport services, noted another resident of Makhachkala Zaur. He reminded that the fare in local public transport increased from 32 to 37 rubles on August 3.

"The increase in the fare has not affected the quality of service in any way; buses run irregularly. Schools and universities have started, and trolleybuses were needed here more than ever, where the fare is much lower," Zaur told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

The trolleybus line between Makhachkala and Kaspiysk was convenient for residents of both cities and allowed for savings on trips, noted a resident of Kaspiysk Kamila.

"The trolleybus used to stop along the highway, which was convenient for those living in suburban settlements. Now there are huge queues for buses. I have a daughter who is a student; she travels to Makhachkala for her studies every day, which is very costly; it was cheaper by trolleybus," Kamila told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

Another local resident Musslim linked the need to restore trolleybus services with the rising cost of gasoline and suggested that the authorities are interested in selling the territory of the trolleybus management.

"Now, when the price of gasoline has increased several times, trolleybuses could save the situation with passenger transport. But the authorities apparently want to sell the territory of the trolleybus management and, as usual, build high-rise buildings on it," Musslim told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot".

Recall that earlier the Makhachkala city hall explained the plans to liquidate the municipal unitary enterprise "Makhachkala Trolleybus Management" by its financial situation. In January, the head of the city, Dzhambulat Salavov, reported that the authorities had paid off 236 million rubles of the trolleybus management's debt and planned to close the remaining debt, and the enterprise itself is included in the privatization plan for 2026. According to him, the funds from the sale of the enterprise were planned to be directed to the purchase of electric buses.