The Moscow–Kazan segment of the M-12 highway has a reported construction cost of 910 billion rubles, a figure confirmed by officials in interviews covered by major Russian outlets. The information is cited as coming from a discussion with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin as published in the Vedomosti newspaper and reported by RIA Novosti. Source: governmental briefings and major national news agencies.
According to Khusnullin, the project has already begun to generate budgetary gains beyond its upfront expenditure. He notes that during the construction phase, the route delivered direct tax revenues totaling about 350 billion rubles. He further projected that over the following two decades, the tax potential associated with the M-12 corridor would accumulate enough revenue to reach approximately 1.8 trillion rubles, effectively ensuring that the project covers its costs in full. This expectation aligns with broader government analyses that infrastructure investments of this scale can create long-term fiscal benefits through improved economic activity, job creation, and increased tax intake from surrounding regions. Source: Vedomosti interview summarized by RIA Novosti.
When complete, the M-12 Vostok route is planned to span roughly 1980 kilometers, connecting Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Tyumen as part of a larger international corridor labeled Russia. Current development plans have aimed to extend the route from Kazan through Ural cities to Yekaterinburg as soon as 2024, with the Tyumen extension envisioned for 2025 completion, reflecting a strategic push to link key urban centers and resource zones across the country. Source: official transport planning documents and press statements.
Within the Moscow–Kazan portion, the 810-kilometer stretch has reached a notable milestone: its roadway was paved seven months ahead of the original schedule. The acceleration in construction timelines is attributed to optimized contracting strategies, modern paving technologies, and early mobilization of workforce and materials. Once open for traffic, the corridor is expected to dramatically cut travel times for automobile travelers, shortening the journey from Moscow to Kazan from about twelve hours to approximately six and a half hours. This improvement is poised to boost regional commerce, tourism, and economic exchange between the two cities. Source: project progress updates and transportation ministry briefings.
In remarks previously delivered by President Vladimir Putin, state officials highlighted that the nation has achieved record levels of paved roads in newly developing parts of the country. The emphasis on expanding paved infrastructure underscores a broader national strategy to improve road safety, reduce travel times, and support regional development. Source: presidential address and subsequent government communications.
Earlier statements from Marat Khusnullin also referenced ongoing plans related to highway corridors that would pass near Mariupol, reflecting the strategic importance placed on integrating road networks with broader regional plans and economic zones. While such infrastructure proposals are evaluated within the context of national budgets and geopolitical considerations, the core message remains: expanded highway capacity is intended to stimulate growth, keep supply chains efficient, and enhance access to markets across western and central Russia. Source: ministry announcements and coverage by national outlets.