MOSCOW (Realist English). The State Duma unanimously approved Andrei Nikitin as Russia’s new Minister of Transport during a plenary session on Friday. A total of 408 deputies voted in favor of his appointment.
Presenting his program to lawmakers, Nikitin emphasized the need for a clear evaluation system for transport institutions and modernized requirements for academic staff in military and civil educational structures. “We need a system for evaluating transport institutions based on transparent criteria and feedback,” he stated. “It all begins with assessing the teaching staff.”
Nikitin stressed the strategic alignment of the Ministry’s priorities with Russia’s national projects, particularly “Efficient Transport System” and “Infrastructure for Life.” He underlined that transport policy must serve the real economy — the interests of industry, shippers, and citizens alike.
He also highlighted inclusivity, stating that transport infrastructure should be comfortable for families with children and accessible to veterans of the special military operation. “If a mother can’t find water or change her child on the road, then all our words are meaningless,” Nikitin said. “Veterans, especially those with injuries, must feel safe and respected when they travel by plane, train or bus — this is our duty.”
In addition to expanding artificial intelligence, digitalization, and autonomous transport technologies, Nikitin emphasized investment in transport education and the importance of attracting non-budgetary funding when feasible.
High-speed rail and legal reform
Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin called for swift legislative support for high-speed railway development. “If Andrei Nikitin is confirmed, we will prepare the legal framework together to accelerate these projects,” he said, highlighting collaboration with transport and infrastructure committees.
Nikitin echoed the importance of the initiative: “High-speed rail is a hallmark of sovereignty. We must master this technology.” He cited President Vladimir Putin’s directive to prepare feasibility studies for future high-speed lines.
Broad political backing
All five Duma factions endorsed Nikitin’s candidacy.
- Evgeny Moskvichev, chair of the transport committee, said the endorsement followed a professional and transparent discussion.
- Nikolai Kolomeytsev (KPRF) declared support from the Communist Party.
- Leonid Slutsky (LDPR) praised Nikitin’s systematic approach.
- Yury Grigoriev (A Just Russia – For Truth) highlighted priorities such as road construction and regional aviation subsidies, urging flexibility in funding for the Far East.
- Vladislav Davankov (New People) suggested more engagement with lawmakers, including proposals for family-friendly airport zones.
- Oleg Garin (United Russia) stressed transport’s critical role in Russia’s development and noted that Nikitin’s candidacy had the backing of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and President Putin.
Nikitin’s confirmation signals renewed focus on domestic connectivity, modernization, and resilience of the transport system — with a human-centered and technologically forward agenda.