In the late 19th century, the development of the Siberia was hampered by poor transportation links within the region as well as between Siberia and the rest of the country. Good roads suitable for wheeled transport were few and far apart. For about 5 months of the year, rivers were the main means of transportation; during the cold half of the year, cargo and passengers traveled by horse-drawn sleds over the winter roads, many of which were the same rivers, now ice-covered.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad, rail line, linking European Russia with the Pacific coast, began construction in 1891 and was completed in 1904. The completion of the railroad greatly affected the history of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern Russia by opening up Siberia to development. It officially opened for service on this day, July 31, 1904.

The Trans-Siberian Railway gave a great boost to Siberian agriculture, facilitating substantial exports to central Russia and Europe. Today the Trans-Siberian Railway carries about 20,000 containers per year to Europe, including 8,300 containers from Japan.

The train has 2nd class 4-berth compartments (called kupé) and 1st class 2-berth compartments (called spalny wagon or 'SV') and a restaurant car. One-way fares start at about $250 in a 4-berth sleeper or $320 in a 2-berth sleeper.

Labels: Railway, russia, trains, Trans-Siberian

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