Russian Railways Expands Backbone Quantum Network Toward Rostov-on-Don and Kazan
Russian Railways plans to broaden its backbone quantum network to Rostov-on-Don and Kazan, according to a report from TASS citing Anatoly Khramtsov, the Deputy Director General and chief engineer. The move signals a continued push to modernize rail communications with secure, high-capacity links that can support a growing range of digital services across the network.
During the 2021-2022 period, the company built core segments linking Moscow with St. Petersburg and Moscow with Nizhny Novgorod. The total length of the quantum network at that time reached 1,147 thousand kilometers, reflecting the ambition to create a resilient, nationwide data fabric for railway operations. Khramtsov noted that in 2023 the plan includes new sections connecting Moscow to Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don, as well as routes from Nizhny Novgorod through Arzamas to Kazan. These additions would extend the reach of the backbone to critical regional hubs, enabling faster, more secure communications for dispatch centers, maintenance teams, and field personnel.
Officials stated that the quantization network within Russia is expected to grow to about 1.4 thousand kilometers in 2023, underscoring a steady expansion of quantum-enabled infrastructure. The project on the Moscow–St. Petersburg corridor began in 2020, with an initial backbone quantum network of roughly 800 kilometers designed to demonstrate the practicality of quantum links in large-scale rail operations. The ongoing expansion aims to deliver more consistent performance and enhanced security across the network, benefiting a broad spectrum of rail services.
The quantum network offers improved communication quality by integrating directly with urban fiber optic systems. This integration supports higher data rates, lower latency, and more robust reliability for mission-critical communications between rail subscribers and centralized control systems. By leveraging quantum-enabled channels, the network can better withstand interference and provide stronger safeguards for sensitive operational data, helping to keep trains running smoothly and safely across major routes.
Beyond the technical benefits, the project aligns with a broader trend in rail and logistics sectors toward digitization. Operators seek scalable, secure communications that can support real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. The work underway by Russian Railways illustrates how quantum infrastructure can function as a backbone for a wide array of services, from timetable updates to safety communications and network-wide asset management. The continued development of these quantum segments is a key step in fostering improved efficiency and resilience across the railway system.
Note: The information cited here is based on reports from TASS, referencing statements made by Anatoly Khramtsov, Deputy Director General and Chief Engineer of Russian Railways. The plans reflect ongoing regional expansion and technology deployment intended to strengthen long-distance and regional rail operations. The project also demonstrates how quantum technology is becoming a practical tool in modern rail networks rather than a distant upgrade. As the network grows, it is expected to support tighter coordination among control centers, faster response times, and improved service reliability for passengers and freight alike.