OREANDA-NEWS. November 15, 2012. Russian Railways was awarded the prize Growth Factor at the forum "Open Innovation", reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

This award was established by Open Joint Stock Company ROSNANO and the Foundation for Infrastructure and Educational Programmes in 2012 and is designed for public companies that actively implement domestic nanotechnology products and promote the use of innovative solutions.

Russian Railways has introduced more than 500 innovative solutions to both rolling stock and rail infrastructure.

Between 2008 – 2011, in particular, the Company reduced energy consumption to 46.9 million kWh after 34 railway stations, 20 locomotive, multiple unit and car-repair depots, 25 passenger platforms, five railway bridges and the Severomuysky tunnel switched to energy-efficient LED lighting.

In addition, a series of devices made from composite materials that significantly improve the quality of services has been developed especially for Russian Railways. For example, manufacturing the contact system from composite materials will significantly reduce operating costs while at the same time increasing the service life, whereas new locking and sealing devices will improve customer service by facilitating a more technological approach to freight stocktaking.

At the same time, Russian Railways has made a great contribution to popularising innovation, for example through its travelling exhibition and lecture complex, which provide a large-scale display of Russian technological innovations, including in nanotechnology. The exhibition has been visited by more than 170,000 people from 82 cities across Russia.