OREANDA-NEWS. March 18, 2010. The decree contains a series of instructions to the Government of Russia on technical recommendations for high-speed trains, safety and security requirements and mechanisms for allocating budget funds and attracting extrabudgetary funds, as well as on the training of the necessary personnel, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

According to the decree, Russian Railways is the sole provider which will implement the functions on behalf of the state in designing high-speed rail infrastructure.

Today, the President of Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin also reported to President Medvedev on the progress on high-speed passenger services between Moscow and St. Petersburg. He noted that the high-speed Sapsan train which came into service on 17 December 2009 is 90-100% full and that the Company plans to launch another three pairs of trains in the near future.

"This decree will provide support to Russian Railways in the development of high-speed rail, which is one of the priorities of the Development Strategy of Rail Transport in Russia to 2030, one of the most important "breakthrough" areas in the development of railways in Russia. The emergence of high-speed communications in Russia will change the entire national transportation system, ensuring freedom of movement in the minimum time. In addition, it will also create a number of positive effects in the social sphere, transport engineering and other industries, and promote the introduction of new technologies that will have a positive impact on Russia’s international prestige," said Vladimir Yakunin.