Travel Duration from Moscow to St. Petersburg: 2 hours and 15 minutes reduced
Moscow-Saint Petersburg High-Speed Rail: Russia's Ambitious Transport Strategy
Russia is embarking on an ambitious transport strategy, with a focus on high-speed rail (HSR) connectivity. The government has announced plans to deploy 43 high-speed electric trains on various routes, with 28 trains expected to be operational by the end of 2028.
The strategy aims to improve the quality of life for millions of citizens, as stated by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The HSR lines will not only run between Moscow and Saint Petersburg but also extend to Minsk, Yekaterinburg, Adler, and Ryazan.
The head of Russian Railways (RZD), Oleg Belozero, revealed that the train for the Moscow-Saint Petersburg high-speed line will be fully autonomous and controlled by artificial intelligence. The manufacturer of the first high-speed train for this route is Siemens, specifically the Siemens Velaro model known as "Sapsan". Production of the first train began on September 2 at the "Ural Locomotives" plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma.
The total length of Russian high-speed networks is expected to exceed 4,500 km. Construction and assembly work is underway on the pilot section, with preparatory work for construction on other sections.
The strategy for transport connectivity is a broader plan that encompasses all modes of transportation, not just high-speed rail. It is being developed to enhance national competitiveness and support territorial development in Russia.
Business activity in suburbs along HSR routes is projected to increase by 15-20%, according to RZD. More than 20% of all new design solutions for the first domestic HSR train have already been tested and are ready for use, as per Belozero.
Investments in HSR can generate up to 3.5 rubles in GDP growth in related sectors. However, the strategy for transport connectivity does not provide a timeline for its completion or the expected benefits it will bring.
The strategy does not specify any details about the autonomy or AI control of the high-speed trains, contrary to Belozero's earlier announcement about the Moscow-Saint Petersburg line.
It's worth noting that the strategy for transport connectivity until 2050 is not directly linked to the high-speed rail lines currently under construction. The government is developing this strategy to ensure a synchronous development of all transport modes, contributing to achieving national goals set by the president.
Organizational procedures for HSR have been completed, funding sources determined, and agreements signed with all main parties. A 679 km route for next-generation HSR will reach speeds up to 400 km/h, marking a significant leap in Russia's transportation infrastructure.
As the high-speed rail project progresses, Russia is poised to transform its transportation landscape, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth.
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