Russia, Austria agree to continue work on broad-gauge railway

MOSCOW, May 20 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian and Austrian railway authorities
agreed on Thursday to continue work on the construction of a broad-gauge
railway that will connect the rail network in Central Europe with the
Trans-Siberian rail.
The signed agreement "includes the design of detailed proposals to
finance and implement the project, as well as the business model and
marketing strategy for the new broad-gauge railway and terminals," the
Russian Railways Company (RZD) said.
Company CEO Vladimir Yakunin said "permanently operating broad-gauge
railway from Russia and China and other Asian nations to Central Europe
will create a competitive and environment-friendly transportation product
on the Eurasian continent."
The 450-kilometer railway line connecting Kosice with Bratislava
(Slovakia) and Vienna is estimated at 6.25 billion euro plus 240 million
euro for the construction of the terminal network and another 130 million
for rolling stock.
The railway, which may take ten years to be built, will decrease fuel
costs and delivery time from Asia to Europe by 15 days which will be the
main advantage against sea and road transport.
The decision to launch design work is expected this year and will
include detailed environmental examination, the choice of the optimal
financial model and the business plan.