Ildar Khalikov: “Road infrastructure is an important stimulating mechanism of economy”

On October 22, at an extended session of Tatarstan Ministry of Transport and Roads within the framework of the exhibition “Dortransexpo-2014”, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov said that road and transport industry is very important for Tatarstan economy.

Opening the session, Ildar Khalikov congratulated road workers on their professional holiday and said that the issue is very topical for Tatarstan as there are many townships in the republic. He noted that considerable funds are allocated for roads construction and maintenance in Tatarstan and 15.4 billion roubles were provided in 2014. However, there are 1100 townships without asphaltic concrete roads. By the end of 2017 all townships with population of more than 125 people should be provided with access roads.

Ildar Khalikov noted active interaction with federal agencies to receive different subsidies.

Speaking about air transport, the Prime Minister said that a large amount of work was done on modernization of Kazan and Begishevo airports. He thanked road workers for successful fulfillment of all tasks and called for providing quality maintenance of roads in autumn and winter.

Making a keynote report at the session, Tatarstan Minister of Transport and Roads Lenar Safin said that 235 km of new roads were constructed and 182 km were repaired for nine months of 2014. More than 60 townships are to be provided with asphaltic roads this year.

The minister also told about participation of Tatarstan in the federal funding programme for purchasing gas-engine vehicles. He noted that the republic actively cooperates with Gasprom on developing the market of gas-engine fuel.

According to Lenar Safin, 1.5 million passengers were serviced by Kazan international airport for nine months of 2014, but the international passenger traffic decreased.

The minister informed participants of the meeting that Tatarstan is going to sign an agreement with Federal Air Transport Agency on reconstruction of Begishevo, the second biggest airport in the republic.

Lenar Safin also reported on development of river and railway transport in Tatarstan and some prospective projects in these spheres.