Russian Railways has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Italian company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane to improve transporation in the two countries.
As part of the agreement, the companies intend to carry out development and deployment of several joint projects, including building new rail infrastructure, modernising projects, and providing international transport and logistics services for both international freight and passenger traffic.
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Russian Railways' president Oleg Belozerov said: "In order to achieve greater efficiency in transporting goods and passengers, different railways must work as a single integrated mechanism.
"The memorandum we signed with Italian colleagues is yet another bridge in the development of railway communications, not only between our two countries but also across the European continent."
Under the memorandum of cooperation, both parties will take necessary steps to improve efficiency of existing rail networks in Russia and the Italian Republic. They will not only aim to increase the competitiveness of rail transport and its operational safety, but also reduce its impact on the environment. The companies will also work to create conditions to attract additional traffic flow, while improving existing tariff policy and information systems.
In addition, the companies have agreed to promote development of mutual contacts with international organisations, such as the International Union of Railways. This will support cooperation between the railway systems using the narrow gauge 1435mm track and the 1520mm broad gauge lines.
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By GlobalDataAs part of the programme, the companies also intend to develop high-speed rail links to organise high-speed rail transportation in the Russian Federation.
The memorandum also has provision for cooperation in the field of scientific research, technological, and innovative development of railways, as well as cooperation on the markets of third countries.
Image: Russian Railways and Ferrovie sign memorandum of cooperation to improve railway transport in Russia and Italy. Photo: courtesy of Russian Railways.
