Russian Railways to open high-speed service between Moscow and Nizhni Novgorod
Russian Railways (RZD OJSC) plans open a high-speed railway service between Moscow and Nizhni Novgorod in 2009, press center of RZD cites the company’s first vice-President Vadim Morozov as saying about the results of his visit to Gorkovskaya railway. According to Mr. Morozov, the project is valued at RUR 15.9 billion including RUR 12.9 billion to be allocated for development of infrastructure, modernization of stations, reconstruction of station buildings; RUR 3 billion are to be spent for purchase of rolling stock. In 2007, the works cost RUR 4.4 billion, this year it is planned to spend RUR 6.2 billion, in 2009 - RUR 2 billion for work completion.
According to the company’s vice-President, the service is to be opened in September 2009. The train running 160 km/h will spend 3 and a half hour to fly from Moscow to Nizhni Novgorod.
In 2008-2010, Russian Railways is to spend RUR 62.5 billion for the development of railway infrastructure at Gorkovskaya railway including RUR 19 billion in 2008, RUR 21 billion in 2009 and over 22 billion in 2010. According to Mr. Morozov, it is 1.5 times as high in the previous three-year period. Besides arrangement of a high-speed service RZD will spend part of the above resources on the development of infrastructure within the framework of a cargo corridor linking Kuznetsk Basin with the North West region as well as on arrangement of high-tonnage service, development of freight distribution centers, reconstruction of bridges and tunnels.
Mr. Morozov expressed appreciation of Gorkovskaya railway activities in the first quarter of 2008. In particular, he noted a considerable growth of loading (+9.9%, year-on-year) with a high growth of work efficiency (+12.2%, year-on-year).