Cooperation with regional authorities and local communities

GRI 3-3

Collaboration between Russian Railways and Russian regions builds on the principles of mutually beneficial partnership. It plays a strategic role in the regional transportation system and economy, and aims to address key priorities such as accelerated development.

The details of cooperation with regional authorities and local communities are set out in partnership and collaboration agreements signed with Russian regions to support rail transport, social, and economic development. This cooperation is carried out under two main types of agreements:

  • framework agreements (perpetual contracts formalising the key aspects of cooperation);
  • mid-term agreements (focusing on the key areas of cooperation with amendments made when and if needed: cooperation in transportation services for the public and industrial enterprises in the regions, joint projects, development of railway infrastructure, ensuring transport safety and socio-economic growth).

To put these framework documents into practice, we enter into mid-term partnership and collaboration agreements on railway transport.

In 2024, 74 mid-term agreements were in force between Russian Railways and regional authorities. That year alone, we signed 20 new agreements, including with the Astrakhan, Amur, Belgorod, Vladimir, Voronezh, Kirov, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Penza, Ryazan, Smolensk, Samara and Ulyanovsk regions, the Jewish Autonomous Region, the Republics of Chuvashia, Mari El, Udmurtia, Khakassia and Sakha (Yakutia), and the Khabarovsk Territory.

Under these agreements, we join forces with regional authorities to focus on:

  • public transportation services, including the development of long-haul and suburban routes along with rolling stock upgrades, convenient scheduling, the design of optimal routes, and the renovation of railway stations and terminals;
  • transportation services for industrial enterprises, including non-discriminatory access to railway infrastructure, the development of door-to-door cargo delivery services through the establishment of modern logistics hubs, expansion of multimodal transportation, implementation of digital solutions, and optimisation of warehousing processes;
  • transport safety enhancement, including avoiding injuries through the use of advanced safety systems, prevention initiatives, public education campaigns on safe behaviour, etc.;
  • joint environmental initiatives, such as the upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, waste disposal, reduction of harmful emissions and untreated discharges, and cooperation with regional emergency services;
  • spiritual, moral and patriotic education of young people, promotion of social design and volunteering;
  • access to medical care for local residents;
  • opportunities for relaxation, recovery and physical development for both children and adults at the Company’s recreational and sports facilities;
  • introduction of the full-cycle continuous education through the kindergarten — school — university — company model.

In its regions of operations, Russian Railways is actively involved in socially focused charity in line with the objectives and principles set out in its Charity and Sponsorship Policy. The Company builds relations with local communities based on the respect for their rights and freedoms and does not tolerate any forms of discrimination or infringement.