inister of Transport Maxim Sokolov discussed the results of the Ministry’s performance in 2012 and the implementation of tasks set by the President and the Government.
According to the Minister, the transport sector was stable in 2012. Cargo haulage by all modes of transport grew almost 4.5% on 2011, passenger traffic grew 6%, and exports of transport services grew almost 14%. Federal investments in the transport sector totalled roughly 440 billion roubles.
In 2012, the mechanism for funding road maintenance from road funds was launched. According to the Minister, this made it possible to repair over 6,500 km of federal roads. Repairs were made on a total length of almost 12,000 km on regional roads, which exceeds the volumes of 2011 by 60%. Cargo turnover by Russian seaports grew by almost 6% compared with 2011, to reach 570 million tonnes.
Active efforts have been made to develop the Arctic. The State Duma has adopted a law on state regulation of commercial navigation along the Northern Sea Route. The Northern Sea Route Administration has been revived. In 2012, about 4 million tonnes of cargo, including 1.2 million tonnes of transit cargo, were transported along the Northern Sea Route.
In 2012, the Ministry of Transport adopted a roadmap of the regional air transport development in order to increase the transport accessibility of regions, to make it easier for the population to travel, and to improve conditions for developing businesses and increasing economic activity. The Volga Federal District is implementing a pilot project to improve regional air transport.
The Minister also stressed the importance of implementing measures under the comprehensive programme to promote transport safety. This programme has made it possible to provide the most vulnerable transport facilities with new equipment and to raise the level of professional training.
Source: Ministry of Transport
