Rail sector in Russia

The Russian Railways development programme, rolling stock modernisation programme, metro development and reconstruction of the Moscow transport hub all offer major opportunities for UK companies with rail expertise.

Market overview

Since 2003, the Russian rail sector is operated by government-controlled “Russian Railways” JSC (RZD). RZD owns the major part of rail infrastructure including stations, railroads, commuter trains, locomotives and about 30 % of freight cars.

Russian Railways’ investment programme for 2013 totals £8.2 billion. Main development areas include energy efficiency programme, stations modernisation, stock modernisation and high-speed rails. Along with the Moscow government, RZD will allocate £2.6 billion until 2020 to speed up the renovation of the suburban railway network around Moscow.

Production of coaches, locomotives and rail equipment in Russia is dominated by four manufactures: Transmashholding, Sinara Transport Machines, Uralvagonzavod and Tractor Plants. Transmashholding is the largest private manufacturer of locomotives and rail equipment in Russia with 14 factories producing subway cars, electric and diesel trains, passenger cars, etc. Sinara Transport Machines is a transportation vehicle manufacturer and engineering company producing around 100 freight locomotives a year and electric units (called Lastochka/Swallow) for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Uralvagonzavod is a state-owned diversified machine building corporation producing military machines, railway cars, road-building machinery, etc. Tractor Plants is the leading Russian machine building group and one of the largest heavy mechanical engineering companies in the world.

Key opportunities

  • Private industrial groups are interested in foreign suppliers of rail equipment, spare parts and new technologies

  • Russian Railways continue to develop railways stations involving foreign consultants. RZD also renews rolling stock, applies energy efficient technologies and builds high-speed railroads

  • Moscow government has announced ambitious plans to create about 250 transport interchange hubs, reconstruct the circle railway around the city and purchase new trains for the Moscow metro

Latest export opportunities in the Railways sector

Latest export opportunities in Russia

Getting into the market

To do business in Russia you are expected to:

  • provide sufficient and clear information (preferably in Russian) about your company, the products and services offered and the price lists;

  • provide reference of successful operation in Russia or CIS (if available);

  • visit the Russian market for face-to-face meetings (always with the interpreter)

  • obtain a Russian standards (GOST) certification for your products/services;

  • set up a Technical Service Centre if your local partner does not provide equipment servicing

  • be prepared to pay custom duties for exporting goods

More about doing business in Russia

Contacts

Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas, and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits through our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists in country – or contact your local international trade team.

  • Evgeny Pimenov, Senior Trade & Investment Adviser, British Embassy Moscow; Tel: +7 495 956 7389; Email: [email protected]

  • Olga Makarchuk, Team Leader, British Consulate General St.Petersburg; Tel: +7 812 320 3223; Email: [email protected]

Contact your local international trade team

UKTI Events

UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.

Latest events in the Railways sector

Major Events

AMF Exporail 2012

EXPORAIL

www.exporail.ru

FORUM 1520

www.forum1520.com

TRANSRUSSIA

www.transrussia.ru

TRANSWEEK

www.transweek.ru

Useful links

More about OMIS and other UKTI services for exporters

Sectors: Railways
Countries: Russia
Export Action Plan