Abstract: With the end of the communist era, investment in Russian Railways (RZD), once part of the Ministry of Railways, was put on hold, although rail traffic demand was not. In 2003, RZD became an independent joint stock company with the Russian government as sole shareholder. Operating across 11 time zones, it funds its own capital investment program by making a sufficient profit. Last year saw an 11.1% profit increase over 2004, with a net profit of 9.75 billion roubles. Increased profit allows increased investment, including rolling stock replacement and high speed train purchasing. Some needed supplies are being purchased from Russian companies. A strategic investment program has been drawn up for RZD, as both its freight and passenger traffic continues to grow. More than 70% of Russian freight traffic is carried by RZD and, last year, there was a huge 43% increase in suburban passenger traffic. An insert discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision not to change Russian track gauge to standard from 1520 mm, despite plans by some Commonwealth of Independent States' members to do so.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-10-01
Language: en
Type: article
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