Nearly two million voyagers conveyed by the railway system

Nearly two million voyagers conveyed by the railway system

Revamped Ride on the Gorky RailwayMay 16, 2025, 11:00 A.M.

Journey Away! 🚃

[Image Courtesy of GJD Press Service]

Springtime in Russia paints a picture of bustling railways, and the Gorky Railway corridor was no exception! From April 25 to May 11, 2025, the GJD press service reported a whopping 2 million passengers whizzed through their stations and terminals on journeys both short and long.

Around 1.5 million travelers opted for suburban trains—a noteworthy 4.4% increase from the previous year. Clocking up miles on the long-distance side, nearly half a million passengers climbed aboard, with a triumphant 17% surge.

"The demand for passenger travel surges during holidays," shared Sergei Dorofeevsky, head honcho of the Gorky Railway. "During the May holiday season, the Russians had not one but two four-day breaks. To meet this surging demand, we scheduled an additional 50 long-distance trains on the Gorky line, along with 'dacha' electric trains on the most popular suburban routes," he described.

Ticking off the itinerary, the most sought-after trips were those connecting Moscow with Nizhny Novgorod (76,000 passengers), Kazan (33,000), Kirov (14,000), and Izhevsk (5,000).

Variety was the spice of life, too, as travelers eyed adventures to St. Petersburg from Nizhny Novgorod (8,000 passengers) and Kazan (4,400), as well as the Volga capital and the city on the Vyatka (7,000).

So, Why the Rush?

While the GJD press service revealed no specific factors for the increased passenger transportation, we have a sneaky suspicion that holidays, improved infrastructure, and tempting deals lured savvy travelers. Russia's well-established rail network, consisting of essential lines like the Moscow–Saint Petersburg route, connects cities like those serviced by the Gorky Railway, ensuring a steady stream of passengers.

The Fascinating Thing About Trains

Did you know that train travel in Russia has something for everyone? Passenger numbers ebb and flow with the seasons, economic conditions, and service quality, reacting to factors like the introduction of high-speed trains or the cancellation of budget options. Other popular routes connect major cities to regional hubs, offering enjoyable, efficient transportation for locals and tourists alike.

Pioneers in Rail Travel

Leading the charge, the Moscow–Saint Petersburg route remains one of the busiest in the country due to high-volume traffic. With high-speed trains like the Sapsan speeding between the two cities, progress never stops. Dreaming of your own great railway adventure? Today's trains are a far cry from the steam trains of the past. Board a train, sit back, relax, and discover the wonders that await you!

Sources:

1. Russian Railways. (n.d.). History of Russian Railways. Retrieved from https://www.rzd.ru/about/8305568800/history
2. British Library. (n.d.). Russian Railways. Retrieved from https://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/russian-railways

With the surge in passenger travel during the holidays, the demand for transportation in Russia's public-transit sector saw a significant boost. This includes the Gorky Railway, where finance from the industry went towards scheduling additional long-distance trains and electric trains for popular suburban routes.

The increased train transportation in Russia, particularly on the Gorky Railway, can be attributed to a combination of factors such as holidays, improved infrastructure, and alluring deals, making it an appealing choice for both locals and tourists seeking efficient transportation.

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