Russia’s rail investments could reach 13.8 trillion roubles (€353 billion)

Investments of between RUR11.5 trillion and 13.8 trillion in infrastructure and rolling stock are being made as Russian Railways (RZD) continues to implement its ‘Strategy for Developing Rail Transport in the Russian Federation’. Approved by the Russian government in 2008 and covering the period up to 2030, the programme will both modernise and upgrade the existing railway and expand the network to respond to new traffic opportunities.

Under the most ambitious version of the programme, more than 20,700 route-km of new lines could be constructed – with up to 1,500 km of these for high-speed services. In the freight sector, priority is being given to developing the country’s rail system as a fast transit corridor between Asia and Europe. New railways to assist the development of valuable natural resources will also be built.

Rolling stock procurement features strongly in RZD’s plans, too, as the company continues to modernise and enlarge its fleet to meet rising traffic demands. In the passenger sector alone, where reforms promise a stronger commercial focus, vehicle purchases worth up to RUR443 billion (€11.3 billion) could be made by 2020.

Investments on this scale present great opportunities for suppliers. RZD intends to employ the highest international standards in implementing this ambitious programme. As a result, successful foreign and domestic firms – as well as cooperation partnerships between leading foreign companies and their Russian counterparts – are all playing a key role in meeting these needs.