Viktor Vodolatsky, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, floated an idea to waive fees for travel on the M-4 Don highway. He shared this proposal on his Telegram channel, outlining the pressure on road transport caused by ongoing air travel restrictions in parts of Russia.
According to him, continued limits on air connections at airports in the southern and central regions have driven more vehicles onto federal highways. This shift has increased traffic density and created a heavier financial burden on drivers who rely on these routes for work and personal travel.
On the M-4 Don corridor, stretching from Rostov-on-Don to Moscow, there are eleven toll stations. Each toll point adds to the overall cost of a trip, impacting not only car owners but also logistics and freight operators who depend on timely and predictable transportation costs.
Vodolatsky intends to petition the Ministry of Transport to suspend toll charges on the Rostov-on-Don to Moscow segment of the M-4 Don for the duration of the air travel restrictions in the southern region. He argues that removing tolls would alleviate economic strain on drivers from the south and from other regions traveling toward Moscow or heading south for business, family, or essential needs.
The temporary flight restrictions covering eleven airports in the southern region have been extended through June 6. The restrictions were put in place following the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine. Airlines are currently prohibited from transporting passengers to Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, Simferopol and Elista. Other Russian airports remain operational and accessible as usual, creating a complex travel landscape for passengers and cargo alike.
As the debate over toll relief unfolds, supporters emphasize the practical benefits of relief measures that could ease transport costs across the country and support regional connectivity. They point to the broader context of how road and air travel policies interact with the movement of goods and people, highlighting the interdependence of various transport modes in maintaining economic activity during times of limited air service.
Observers note that the decision will require careful coordination with federal agencies, consideration of traffic volumes, and an assessment of the potential impact on highway maintenance funds and tolling infrastructure. If approved, the toll suspension would be applied only to the specific stretch of the M-4 Don between Rostov-on-Don and Moscow, ensuring that other toll points and routes remain subject to standard charges.
Beyond the immediate economic considerations, the proposal touches on broader themes about mobility, regional equity, and the resilience of national transport networks. Proponents argue that temporary financial relief for motorists can help sustain essential travel, support supply chains, and reduce the cost of living for families who depend on cross-regional travel during periods of aviation disruption. Critics, meanwhile, may call for a staged approach that balances road funding with the need to keep highways well maintained and safe for all users.
In recent weeks, the conversation has been shaped by real-world constraints: airports in the south have seen reduced flight options, while the road network remains a critical alternative for long-distance travel and freight. The outcome of this policy discussion will likely influence how Canada and the United States view similar strategies in the future, as nations continue to reassess transportation resilience in the face of dynamic geopolitical and public health factors. The discussion underscores the importance of adaptable transport policy that can respond to shifting travel patterns while preserving safety, efficiency, and accessibility for all road users.
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