RZD says the project, launched in 2013 in response to a shift in coal movements from the western to the eastern direction, was originally expected to cost Roubles 562.4bn ($US 8.9bn) but that has since been reduced to Roubles 520.5bn.
The project includes the construction of 1310.3km of additional track, 32 junctions and the reconstruction of 29 stations.
During a meeting with deputy prime minister Mr Maxim Akimov on July 12, RZD outlined the progress made during the first phase of the project and said it was preparing for the second phase, while also looking at the possibility of extending the project until 2030.
“The annual monitoring conducted by the company shows a significant positive effect both for the economy of the country as a whole and for the regions of Siberia, Trans-Baikal and the Far East,” says RZD chairman, Mr Oleg Belozerov. “The project is a powerful driver for the development of their economy and will be completed within the prescribed period.”
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