MOSCOW (Realist English). President Vladimir Putin has held a working meeting with Oleg Belozerov, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Russian Railways (RZD).
The RZD chief reported on the company’s results for the first half of 2026, covering key indicators: freight turnover, passenger traffic, investment, labour productivity, and the introduction of quantum technologies.
Safety, salaries and personnel
Belozerov opened his report by stating that Russian railways are the safest and most reliable in the world. According to the International Union of Railways, Russia is three times safer than the global average and twice as safe as the United States in terms of incidents per million kilometres travelled.
The holding employs 851,000 people – Russia’s largest workforce. Over the past 15 years, labour productivity has doubled in technological terms and quadrupled in economic terms.
The average salary at RZD has reached nearly 119,000 rubles, an increase of more than 8%.
Putin noted that staffing levels had decreased. Belozerov explained that this is a result of increased productivity and the introduction of new technology: employees retire as part of the natural process, and new hires are brought in as technological development requires.
Finances: profit and freight turnover
The company’s revenue from core operations for the first half of the year amounted to 1.7 trillion rubles, with significant growth. Belozerov stressed that the company is stable from both a production and a financial standpoint. The net debt‑to‑EBITDA ratio stands at 3.3.
Freight turnover in June grew by 4.5% compared to the same period last year. However, loading volumes decreased. Belozerov explained this by increased shipping distances and changing routes: freight turnover is growing due to distance rather than volume.
Export loading grew by 3.4% in the first half of the year, and by 4.4% in June. Container transport is showing record performance: in June, growth reached 13% compared to June 2025. This year, RZD plans to set a new record for container shipments.
Eastern Polygon and freight flows
Putin asked about the implementation of the investment programme. Belozerov confirmed that 45% of the investment programme has been completed, with investment volumes increased this year to meet additional tasks, including at the Eastern Polygon and for the purchase of additional locomotives.
The Eastern Polygon’s capacity of 180 million tons will be achieved on schedule. Exports of non‑coal goods – grain, fertilisers, and containerised cargo – are growing.
Putin drew attention to the need to support coal miners from the Kemerovo region. Belozerov assured that the agreement on coal exports from Kemerovo is being strictly fulfilled.
The share of friendly countries in total freight volume exceeds 93%. Freight with China is growing by 5.5% annually, setting new records. Freight with Belarus has increased by 3%, and with EAEU countries – also in positive territory. At the same time, freight with unfriendly countries is falling sharply: with Finland – by 25%, with Estonia – by 42%.
Passenger traffic: 625 million passengers in six months
In 2026, declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, RZD declared the Year of the Passenger. In the first half of the year, 625 million passengers were carried – an increase on the previous year. Last year, an absolute record of 1.311 billion people was set.
Putin clarified whether suburban and long‑distance services were combined. Belozerov confirmed: long‑distance travel has seen a slight decline, while suburban services have grown. Suburban services are in high demand, all routes are being maintained, and RZD is working with regional authorities.
Support for SVO participants
RZD is implementing the “We Don’t Abandon Our Own!” project together with the “Defenders of the Fatherland” foundation. 36 trips have been organised along 10 routes, which have been used by nearly 7,000 special military operation participants and their families.
More than 21,000 SVO participants have received medical care through the company’s railway medicine services.
Quantum communications: 7,800 km of protected network
Belozerov reported on the implementation of the president’s directive on the development of quantum communications. To date, 7,800 km of backbone quantum network have been built, connecting 27 regions and 13 cities with populations over one million.
Technical elements have been completed, certification has been carried out, and the company is now moving into service provision. Quantum communication provides protection for backbone channels and communication networks of the holding’s structures. As Belozerov noted, given the current situation, where cybersecurity is reaching an entirely new level, the strategic groundwork laid earlier now allows for network protection and monetisation of the service.
Putin stressed the importance of quantum technology work and expressed hope that it would be profitable.
As Belozerov assured, all tasks set by the president will be fulfilled. RZD will continue to increase labour productivity, introduce new technologies, and expand both freight and passenger transport, remaining one of the most efficient and safest railway companies in the world.
