It is reported that on October 13th 2009 in Beijing, as part of talks between the Russian and Chinese premiers, Mr Vladimir Yakunin president of RZD, Mr Igor Levitin Russian Transport Minister and Chinese Minister of Railways Mr Liu Zhijun signed a memorandum of understanding on organizing and developing high speed and very high speed rail links on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The purpose of the memorandum is to study and elaborate the issue of cooperation in reconstructing existing rail lines in order to improve speeds, and constructing high speed and very high speed routes. This document is aimed at broadening the Russian Chinese partnership. In line with the memorandum, a joint working group of qualified specialists from both sides will be created by December 1st 2009.

On June 17th 2008, Mr Vladimir Putin Russian Prime Minister signed the Strategy for Developing Rail Transport up to 2030. One of the priority goals in implementing this strategy is to develop high speed and very high speed passenger rail transportation. In line with the strategy, the total length of high speed passenger rail track in Russia will be increased by almost 17 times over the next 20 years, from 650 to 10,887 kilometers. Also, additional trunk lines are planned to be built on various routes, able to carry ordinary freight, passenger trains and suburban trains with special tracks for high-speed trains.

(Sourced from www.railwaymarket.eu)