Russian Rail Freight Transport Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, And Forecast (2023-2028)

The Russian Rail Freight Transport market is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 3.5% during the forecast period. Rail is among the most energy-efficient modes of transport for freight and passengers - while the rail sector carries 8% of the world’s passengers and 7% of global freight transport, it represents only 2% of total transport energy demand.

Key Highlights

• After the railroads of the United States and China, the Russian railways are the third longest in terms of length (85,500 km) and third in terms of the amount of freight they transport. Russia is second only to China in terms of the total density of operations (freight ton-kilometers + passenger kilometers)/length of the track. One of the economic wonders of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries has been dubbed Russian rail transport. The track has a 1520 mm gauge.
• COVID-19 had a split effect on the rail freight sector, with Asia and Europe experiencing an increase in rail freight traffic while North and South America suffered a fall. Long-term projections indicate that regional rail freight will significantly increase. Along with this, it's anticipated that there will be increased investment, further infrastructure construction, and technology adoption to digitise rail freight.

Russian Rail Freight Transport Market Trends

Technological innovations in Railways has increased dependency on various rail freight transport

An autonomous train is a useful tool for enhancing punctuality, dependability, and capacity optimization in the rail industry since it can transmit data in real-time and utilize cutting-edge sensor technology. Upgrades to automatic train control (ATC) and signaling systems decrease technical faults, enhance traffic information flows, and boost passenger confidence in rail transit. For instance, a grade-of-automation 4 (GoA4) system manages emergency situations and obstacle recognition autonomously in addition to managing the speed, brakes, and doors of the train.

The Belgian start-up OTIV creates full self-driving (FSD) and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) solutions for light rail and shunting operations. The business has created the zero-emission OTIV Light Rail Vehicle System, which adapts locomotives to urban settings using artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, computer vision, and sensors. The safety and effectiveness of rail transportation are further increased by ADAS and FSD systems equipped with object detection and collision avoidance technology.

Rail infrastructure's dependability and safety are significantly impacted by the internet of trains. Condition-based monitoring minimizes maintenance efficiency and costs while increasing passenger satisfaction by preventing delays brought on by track and train component failures. Furthermore, IoT-enabled advanced analytics enables railway operators to find data-driven solutions to boost fleet control and the effectiveness of rail operations.

A cost-effective solution is provided by Canadian startup TRAINFO to lessen traffic delays at railroad crossings. The startup decides when to open and close rail crossings using train sensors, Bluetooth, and prediction software. Then, this information is disseminated to motorists via informational systems like traffic signaling, mobile apps, and roadside signage. The startup's solution helps city planners when creating and managing infrastructure, such as railroad crossings.

Rail Networks are deeply impacted by the Internet of Trains

Over 1.7 trillion roubles (approx USD 0.022 trillion), or nearly a third more than in 2022, will be invested by Russian Railways in 2023. Investments will be made in the following key sectors as part of the 2023 plan: The Comprehensive Plan for the Modernization and Expansion of the Trunk Infrastructure would fund projects with more than 40% of the investment program, or 440 billion roubles (USD 5.75 billion). 250 billion roubles (approx USD 3.27 billion)of this total will go toward the second phase of the eastern lines. The 173 million tonnes of shipping capacity goal for 2023 will be fully attained. 350 billion roubles (approx USD 4.58 billion) will be spent in 2023 on improving the railway network.

To balance Russian Railways' operations and offer investment opportunities, the Russian government has made five significant decisions. The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has allotted 250 billion roubles (approx USD 3.27 billion) to boost the Russian Railway's authorized capital and so finance the investment program. Based on funding from the NWF to be utilized to build the railway infrastructure at the Central Transport Hub, Russian Railways' registered capital has increased by 18.3 billion roubles (approx USD 0.24 billion).

Russian Rail Freight Transport Market Competitor Analysis

TransContainer, RAIL1520 Ltd, Russian Railways, JSC RZD Logistics, OJSC Altaivagon, InterRail Service LLC, Imt Express, Baltranservice LLC, Mecheltrans, United Wagon Company are market participants in Russian Rail Freight Transport Market. The competition amongst service providers is further heightened by the strict regulatory requirements that must be met. Businesses participate in M&A transactions to develop their product lines and expand regionally.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support