The State Duma is set to review steps aimed at keeping Russia’s roads in good working order. In coverage for Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Alexander Tolmachev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Transport and the Development of Transport Infrastructure, explains the challenges facing the country’s road network.
On highways, carriers often push their trucks to the limit, seeking to save money by moving more cargo in a single trip. Tolmachev notes that when the permitted load is 60 tonnes, some operators load up to 80 tonnes. This practice ignores the design specifications of road coatings, which are built to withstand particular loads and wear patterns over time. The result is accelerated deterioration that no amount of money can fully prevent if overloading remains unchecked.
Tolmachev argues that the solution lies not in tolls or subsidies but in tighter control over cargo transportation. He says that the higher the level of congestion management, the lower the long-term costs of road repair become, because roads experience less stress and degradation when loads and traffic patterns are better regulated.
The deputy indicated that the issue will receive thorough discussion in the near future during a meeting of the State Duma Committee on Transport and the Development of Transport Infrastructure. The plan is to consider strengthening oversight of freight movement, with representatives from regulatory authorities invited to participate and contribute to the debate.
Tolmachev also pointed to the central region as a focal area currently bearing heavy burdens on the transport system. The strain reflects broader challenges in logistics, infrastructure funding, and the capacity of highways to handle growing freight volumes without compromising safety or durability.
Earlier assessments highlighted a persistent shortage of qualified drivers and elevated fuel prices in Russia, circumstances that further threaten the reliability of cargo transportation. These factors contribute to a cycle of higher operating costs and potential risks for supply chains that rely on road transport.
In related developments, discussions at technology and mobility services platforms have raised questions about driver compensation models and the conditions under which drivers are paid. The evolving regulatory and technological landscape continues to shape how freight movement is managed across the country, with a clear emphasis on sustainable, safe, and efficient transportation practices. (Source attribution: Rossiyskaya Gazeta; officials and observers follow these developments closely to gauge policy shifts and their impact on logistics.)