Russian PM Signed Transport Machine-Building Support Program

The Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed the Transport Machine-Building Support Program for 2016.

The document is split into two parts. The first part is aimed at fostering write-off of the freight cars with exceeded life; the second part is aimed at improving safety.

The write-off of the obsolete fleet and its renewal with new freight cars is to be achieved by introducing a fee payable to OAO RZD for repairs; ban for operating freight cars with exceeded life (except some car categories); benefits to innovative freight car customers; improving freight car exports.

Safety is to be achieved, in particular, by establishment of a common railway certification authority in each country of the Eurasian Economic Union (Customs Union) provided that such authorities are approved by national accreditation bodies. Furthermore, accreditation criteria are to become stricter.