Text 4: Russian Railways

Railway systems are essential to the economy and infrastructure of any country. A highly developed railway network is vital to Russia as well, partly because of its huge territory. Rail connects Russia’s regions and provides services to main cities and towns. Much of the population relies on the railways because of rather cheap transportation.

Russian railways are one of the largest in the world. The total length of track is 85,500 km. The majority of railways in Russia are electrified. The national gauge standard is 1,524 mm. Modern Russian railways are transcontinental, they provide international passenger and freight service between Europe and Asia. The Russian railway system transports most of the country's industrial goods and raw materials. It also carries the bulk of passenger traffic. More than 1 billion passengers and 1 billion tons of freight travel via Russian Railways annually.

Actually, the rail network of Russia comprises 17 railways such as Oktyabrskaya Railway, Northern Railway and Moscow Railway. This division is based on historical and regional principle.

However, the density of the railways in Russia is still comparatively low. The country should enlarge its railway system, especially in the East with its relatively poor road connection.

The rolling stock used on Russian railways is reliable in operation and environmentally friendly. For instance, the locomotives possess high performance in quick acceleration and in tractive and braking power. The passenger coaches are modernised and comfortable. They also may have some extra facilities - conditioning, toned windows, or TV. High-speed railway transportation is the priority goal of the breakthrough development of rail transport in Russia.

To conclude, new technologies and equipment as well as high quality of service make Russian railways a competitive mode of transport.

Questions for discussion:

1. Railways are essential to the economy of any country, aren’t they?

2. Why does the population of Russia rely on railways?

3. What is the length of Russian railways?

4. Are modern Russian railways transcontinental?

5. Are Russian railways electrified?

6. What freight and passenger turnover does the Russian rail account for?

7. How many railways does the Russian rail system consist of?

8. Is the rolling stock used on Russian railways reliable and modern?

9. Why should Russia enlarge its railway network?

10. What makes Russian railways a competitive mode of transport?

Дата добавления: 2015-10-16