The Trans-Siberian transport corridor and development of urban agglomerations

Abstract

When discussing the geographical features in the formation of the framework of the economy, population distribution and nature management of Russia (Siberia) and Mongolia in conditions of the landlocked location and an enhancement in Eurasian integration processes, it is necessary to capitalize primarily on the national priorities of Russia (and on the interests of its eastern regions), with due regard for the interests of neighboring countries. The territories adjacent to the Trans-Siberian Railway (Transsib) have favorable opportunities for implementation of major transport projects and for general economic growth. The competitive advantages and possibilities of the cities and agglomerations will look different if they are regarded not as separate entities but as forming part of a common Trans-Siberian economic space. An enhancement in the role of the transport hubs, such as Tyumen, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, objectively leads to the growth of the respective agglomerations and is detrimental to the functioning of the other urban settlements along Transsib which are associated with the railroad. The Trans-Siberian transport corridor should become the belt of economic development of the adjacent landlocked territories and work for integration of the vast Eurasian space thereby unleashing the potential of the urban agglomerations of Siberia.