The plan to build the Moscow–St. Petersburg high-speed railway does not rely on funding from Russia’s National Welfare Fund. This stance was confirmed by the Russian Transport Minister, Vitaly Savelyev, in reports summarized by RIA News. The message is clear: the project will be financed through a mix of sources that do not draw on welfare fund resources, allowing for a diverse financial structure that supports rapid implementation while maintaining budgetary discipline.
Officials indicate that a parallel financing approach is already being explored. Savelyev noted that there will be a recalibration of the financial model, with active involvement from regional authorities and banks that are prepared to participate on favorable terms. The goal is to create a scenario where the project moves into positive financial territory, leveraging regional contributions and bank support to accelerate construction without compromising fiscal stability or long-term profitability.
Regarding timelines, the minister emphasized that the start of the high-speed railway construction and the project’s overall schedule will be announced soon. This signals a shift toward transparency and predictability, with stakeholders awaiting concrete milestones, procurement schedules, and phased implementation plans that align with regional development goals and traffic demand projections across the corridor.
As part of a broader effort, the Moscow–St. Petersburg corridor is highlighted as the first in a series of five projects aimed at advancing high-speed rail across Russia. This strategic sequence positions the route as a proving ground for technology, operations, and financing models that can be replicated on subsequent lines, enhancing national connectivity and regional economic integration. The focus remains on delivering a reliable, fast, and safe rail experience that serves both passengers and freight needs where applicable.
On February 16, officials reported that the St. Petersburg high-speed railway plan had reached a key milestone and was presented in a meeting with the president. The update underscored progress in design, route alignment, and stakeholder coordination, while signaling political and administrative backing for the project. This public acknowledgment helps align financing, construction planning, and governance across all levels of government and industry partners involved in the corridor.
Financing for the high-speed railway will be a collaborative effort that includes all regions along the route: Moscow, the Moscow region, Tver, Novgorod, Leningrad, and St. Petersburg. The arrangement aims to distribute responsibility and benefits across the entire corridor, ensuring regional participation in planning, investment, and operation. This inclusive approach is intended to foster broad-based support, improve project resilience, and align with regional transport strategies that anticipate growing travel demand and economic activity along the line.