Russian Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexander Kozlov has promised to support Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area Governor Dmitry Artyukhov in implementing transport projects, including the construction of the Northern Latitudinal Railway, the ministry's press service reports.

During his working trip, Kozlov discussed the socio-economic development of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area with Artyukhov. They also focused on the implementation of the Northern Latitudinal Railway project, according to the press service.

"The region's industrial potential continues to expand each year, and we will support you on all projects," Kozlov said.

According to Artyukhov, the elimination of transport restrictions has key significance for the region's development.

"Just like other Arctic regions, Yamal will have to implement a number of ambitious projects; it is necessary to eliminate infrastructure restrictions and to create a virtually new transport map of the Arctic, to expand freight traffic volumes along the Northern Sea Route, to create comfortable living conditions for people and to make headway in developing new mineral deposits. We have reached an agreement with the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic on how to effectively accomplish our tasks in the future," he added.

In early October 2018, the Russian Ministry of Transport announced the signing of a concession agreement to build the Northern Latitudinal Railway, due to link the Northern and Sverdlovsk mainlines. This will make it possible to deliver freight from mineral deposits in West Siberia's northern regions. Under a preliminary deal, it was decided to set up an inter-bank syndicate involving Gazprombank, VTB, the Eurasian Development Bank and VEB. Sberbank also filed a separate request.

When completed, the Northern Latitudinal Railway will reduce the distance between mineral deposits in West Siberia's northern regions and the Baltic Sea, White Sea, Barents Sea and Kara Sea ports by 1,000 kilometers.