Initial Funding of US$3.7 Billion Allocated for Moscow-St. Petersburg High-Speed Rail Project
On August 1, 2025, President Vladimir Putin directed the Russian government to establish a roadmap for the construction of a high-speed rail network by March 31, 2026, focusing initially on the Moscow-St. Petersburg route, reports 24brussels.
The Kremlin announced that the coordinated effort will involve Russian Railways and will detail implementation timelines and parameters for each project associated with the high-speed rail initiative. This infrastructure aims to modernize Russia’s rail transport, fulfilling a long-standing vision of enhanced connectivity.
Putin has instructed the government, in collaboration with SberBank, to plan the utilization of 300 billion rubles (approximately US$3.7 billion) from the National Wealth Fund for the initial phase of this project. A comprehensive funding report is expected by October 1.
The Moscow-St. Petersburg line will be the first high-speed railway in Russia, featuring an electrified double track designed to facilitate speeds ranging from 200 to 400 kilometers per hour. The transit time between the two major cities is projected to be two hours and 15 minutes.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozerov have been appointed to oversee the project, marking a significant step in Russia’s plans to modernize its transportation infrastructure.
