RUSSIA: The federal government has approved a long-term strategy setting priorities for the development of the national rail network to 2030.

The strategy is to be implemented in two phases. The main objective of the first period covering 2008-15 is to modernise the infrastructure and renew life-expired motive power and rolling stock.

The second phase in 2016-30 will be focused on expanding the network, with a total of 20700 km of new lines to be built. The rolling stock fleet will be completely renewed, with the adoption of more modern technology.

A programme of technical development has been established based on RZD proposals which were adopted in 2007. This sets out the basis for modernising infrastructure, information and control systems, as well as for the development and production of more advanced motive power.