OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2010. Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Yakunin discussed the development of high-speed rail in Russia and preparations for this summer's rail traffic.

Mr Yakunin briefed the President on the operation of high-speed Sapsan train on Moscow-St Petersburg line and on a joint project with Finland to launch high-speed train en route from St Petersburg to Helsinki.

Dmitry Medvedev said that he had signed an executive order on measures to develop high-speed rail transport in Russia, and that the Government Cabinet had been given corresponding instructions. The order also specifies priority measures to implement this project, mechanisms and terms of budgetary allocations, as well as opportunities to attract extra-budgetary funding.

According to the order, Russian Railways will assume full responsibility for high-speed rail infrastructure development.