THE TERRITORIAL-PRODUCTION STRUCTURE OF THE ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF THE BAYKAL-AMUR MAINLINE

Abstract

The zone of the BAM, contrary to the views expressed by some Soviet economic planners, is not likely to generate a separate economic region of its own because the region-shaping role of the railroad will be less significant than its export function. The BAM zone is more likely to interact with three adjacent economic regions–East Siberia, the Northeast and the southern portion of the Soviet Far East. East Siberia is expected to serve as a bridgehead for development of the western segment of the BAM and a supplier of electric power; the BAM itself may serve as a base of operations for advancing economic development into the Northeast, and the eastern portion of the BAM will be geared largely to the growing export functions foreseen for the maritime areas of the Soviet Far East. The three types of interaction are expected to generate a number of economic subregions along the BAM. The functions of these subregions, still in the initial stages of formation, are outlined in general terms.