Vladimir Putin endorsed a list of instructions following the meeting on development of transport infrastructure in Northwest Russia

RF President Vladimir Putin endorsed a list of instructions following the meeting on development of transport infrastructure in Northwest Russia held on 16 August 2017, official website of Kremlin says.

According to the document, RF Government is to undertake extensive measures on implementation of the Project on Comprehensive Development of the Murmansk Transport Hub within the established deadlines.

Launching of construction of the international terminal for cruise/freight-and-passenger ships at Pionersky (Kaliningrad Region) in 2017 should be ensured taking into consideration the deadline set by the project documentation.

When drafting the federal budget for 2018, 2019 and 2020, RF Government is instructed to foresee additional budget allocations for the following purposes:

- modernization and operation of border check points to make them comply with the requirements;

- construction and operation of three new ferries for Ust-Luga-Baltijsk line (with completion in 2020);

RF Government is to approve the list of measures for transition to Russian rouble from 1 January 2018 when settling for services provided in Russian seaports.

Besides, by 1 January 2018, RF Government is to consider the possibility of a visa-free entry or e-visa entry for foreigners coming to Kaliningrad via Kaliningrad airport and seaports of the Kaliningrad region (for 72 hours maximum) as part of organized groups including those transiting the territory of the Russian Federation for taking part in cruises.

Together with the Pskov Region Administration, Kaliningrad Region Government and Russian Railways, the Ministry of Transport is to evaluate economic efficiency of a logistic route for cargo transportation to the ports of the Kaliningrad via the Pskov region.