Latest news with #RZD
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
At least 7 killed, 67 injured in twin bridge collapses in Russia's Bryansk and Kursk regions
MOSCOW — At least seven people were killed and 67 others injured after two road bridges collapsed in Russia's border regions of Bryansk and Kursk, local authorities confirmed on Sunday. Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz said the first incident occurred late Saturday when a bridge collapsed onto railway tracks in the Vygonichsky district. "According to operational data... unfortunately, seven people died," Bogomaz said on Telegram, adding that 66 people were injured—47 of whom are hospitalized. Three of the injured are children, including one in critical condition. Russian Railways (RZD), the country's state-run rail operator, said nearly 200 railway workers, three restoration trains, and other emergency crews are on site to clear the wreckage and restore operations. Initial statements by RZD's Moscow Railways branch referred to the incident as a result of 'illegal interference in transport operations,' though the post was later edited to remove that language. A second collapse occurred in the Zheleznogorsky district of neighboring Kursk region as a freight train was passing. Acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein confirmed the incident and reported that one of the train drivers was Investigative Committee later announced that both incidents were caused by explosions, though further details were not Svetlana Petrenko said investigators are working to determine the source and nature of the Bryansk and Kursk regions border Ukraine and have witnessed frequent drone strikes and sabotage attempts since the start of the war in no group has claimed responsibility for the bridge collapses, Russian officials have previously accused Ukrainian operatives of targeting infrastructure near the said full investigations are underway, and emergency services continue operations at both sites. — Agencies
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Russia targets 4 African nations for railway expansion
As Moscow deepens its economic footprint across Africa, Russian Railways is setting its sights on four key countries poised to become hubs in a new era of transcontinental connectivity. Russian Railways (RZD) is targeting four African countries—Burkina Faso, Ghana, South Africa, and Libya—for infrastructure projects. This initiative is part of Russia's strategy to enhance trade routes and strengthen geopolitical ties through railway modernization. African markets are viewed as pivotal for transporting bulk goods such as minerals, oil, and gas, essential for economic growth. With strategic investments in rail infrastructure, Russia aims to bolster trade routes, enhance regional integration, and cement its influence on the continent. Sputnik Afrika reports that Russian Railways (RZD) is expanding its presence in Africa by focusing on railway construction and modernization. Aligning with Moscow's broader geopolitical goals, RZD targets key transport corridors and partners with countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana, South Africa, and Libya to develop regional rail networks for improved movement of goods and people. Speaking at an expanded meeting of the expert council for the development and support of comprehensive partnership with African countries in the State Duma, RZD First Deputy CEO Sergei Pavlov highlighted the promising relationships Russia has built across the continent in recent years. "Given the potential of developing trade with [African] countries, we see prospects for the further development and extension of the North–South International Transport Corridor in the direction of Africa with the creation of the appropriate transport infrastructure." "We are prepared to actively get involved in this work with interested Russian operators and logistics companies," Pavlov said. These planned expansions reflect not only Russia's infrastructure ambitions but also its broader geopolitical pivot toward Africa, as global alliances continue to evolve. Russia's railway interests in Africa The development of transport and logistics partnerships between Russia and African countries is gaining significance in the current geopolitical landscape. Market players believe Russian goods can be successfully exported to Africa via the North-South international transport corridor (ITC), which would increase the cargo base of all three routes passing through this corridor. Russian railway companies see Africa as a key growth area, driven by the continent's need for modern rail infrastructure to transport bulk goods like minerals, oil, and gas. Last year, Kiril Lipa, CEO of Russian railway corporation Transmashholding (TMH), highlighted that Africa's limited rail systems in major cities impede economic growth, emphasizing that expanding railways is crucial to unlocking the continent's potential. A key aspect of RZD's strategy is extending the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) into Africa, a multi-modal trade route initially connecting Russia to India via Iran. This extension would facilitate direct trade links between Russia and African markets, offering African countries new access points to Eurasian and Asian trade networks. According to Sergey Pavlov, a senior RZD executive, this expansion is a logical next step. The company is confident that using Persian Gulf ports to deliver goods to North and East Africa can be successful, pending integration of port infrastructure and dry ports with Africa's road and rail networks.
