The project for interregional passenger transportation along the Volga may be expanded. The shipbuilding corporation "Ak Bars" hopes for the development of this scheme, which was created by the Russian Ministry of Transport. The essence of the project is that carriers provide routes between regions, and part of the costs are subsidized by the region and the federation. Renat Mistakhov, CEO of the Ak Bars corporation, revealed the details at the International Maritime Defense Show "Flot-2026".
Since 2023, the project of interregional passenger transportation along the Volga by hydrofoil vessels "Rechnye Magistrali" has already been implemented.
In 2025, 33.2 thousand passengers were transported on eight routes. In addition, there is a program of preferential leasing of water transport with state funding, which is necessary to replenish the high-speed passenger fleet.
The International Maritime Defense Show "Flot" takes place from June 10 to 14, 2026, in Kronstadt, at the site of the congress and exhibition center on the territory of the Museum of Naval Glory. The show brings together representatives of the Russian Navy and government agencies, major enterprises, and leading industry experts. Representatives of 27 foreign delegations from friendly countries also participate in it.
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