Dynamic Siberia: Putin Promises New Airport Network in Drive to Modernize Hinterland of Russia
Vladimir Putin has given an order to speed up the development of Siberian airports, primarily those located in Novosibirsk, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, and Kemerovo. The president announced the news during a meeting with the Acting Governor of Novosibirsk Oblast, Andrei Travnikov. The meeting took place in Novo-Ogaryovo. The acting governor introduced a strategy for the region’s development up to the year of 2030.
Here's Aleksei Petrov with a report on Siberia's near future.
Novosibirsk's famous Akademgorodok has been gaining popularity among both scientists and investors. A large number of innovative companies have opened offices in the research park. Founded in the ancient Siberian taiga in the late 1950s, this unique research center is now home to dozens of research institutions and one of the country's leading universities, which is currently focused on some very promising and groundbreaking projects.
Vladimir Putin discussed the future of Akademgorodok with Acting Governor of Novosibirsk Oblast, Andrei Travnikov.
Vladimir Putin: "The regional government must work with the Russian government to further develop Akademgorodok. Back in February, we discussed respective, forward-looking plans with the Academy of Sciences and the government".
Andrei Travnikov, Acting Governor of Novosibirsk Oblast: "The set of measures to develop the Siberian Scientific Center and the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is being expanded upon in cooperation with the Russian government, the Plenipotentiary Envoy’s office, and the Academy of Sciences. The deadline is the 30th of September".
However, science is not Novosibirsk Oblast's only strong point. Tolmachevo Airport is one of the largest in the country. This advanced transportation hub offers convenient transfer options to those who fly from various parts of Siberia to Moscow and those heading to countries in Southeast Asia.
Andrei Travnikov: "In 2017, Tolmachevo Airport served a record 5 million passengers. It's the largest transportation hub beyond the Urals. Most importantly, the airport’s operator, Novaport, has made major plans to increase the airport's capacity to 9–10 million passengers annually over the next few years".
Vladimir Putin: Speaking of the airport, this matter should be coordinated with the Transportation Ministry. I'm talking about all of the Siberian airports, including those in Novosibirsk, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo, and Irkutsk...
– Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk.
Vladimir Putin: This matter should be coordinated with the Transportation Ministry in order to determine the role each airport will play and to consider the distribution of passengers and cargo between them.
The condition of Novosibirsk Oblast's roads is also improving. The share of the roads in the region that meet high, modern standards will be brought up to 85% by 2024.
Andrei Travnikov: "We have shared our plans regarding our transportation strategy with our colleagues in order to find out what they think about them and how our strategic ideas will affect their development plans".
Vladimir Putin: It's time to implement these ideas. So far, they're only on paper and that's not enough. The government needs to start taking concrete steps immediately.
Andrei Travnikov: Yes, I agree, Mr. Putin.
Novosibirsk is also investing in its sports facilities. In five years, the city will host the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Work is underway on a new ice hockey stadium as well as a small city district with parks, public spaces, residential areas, transport junctions, and a metro station.
Aleksei Petrov, Maria Samsonova, and Maria Radimova, Vesti.