The tram network modernization project in Nizhny Novgorod won the «Vedomosti. Impuls» award

The tram network modernization project in Nizhny Novgorod has won the «Quality Urban Environment» category at the «Vedomosti. Impuls» award. The prize was presented to Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation, by Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chair of the award’s Expert Council.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the award serves an important function: not only does it recognize the best investment practices, but it also promotes them, helping to disseminate successful solutions across regions, introduce advanced technologies, and create conditions for economic growth.

«The categories of the „Impuls“ award cover key areas of Russia’s economic development: healthcare, education, urban environment, infrastructure, technological leadership, and the development of the Arctic and the Far East — that is, the national goals and objectives set by the President as the country’s development vector for the near future. We can see that, despite all the difficulties and challenges, thanks to the joint efforts of the government, local authorities, businesses, and investors, the Russian economy continues to develop, demonstrating flexibility and resilience», — emphasized Alexander Novak.

It should be recalled that in September 2022, the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and LLC «Ecological Projects» (a subsidiary of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation) signed a concession agreement on modernizing the urban electric transport infrastructure in Nizhny Novgorod.

Under the agreement, it is planned to purchase 170 new trams and replace 149.3 km of tracks. To date, more than 100 km of tracks (in single‑track terms) have been reconstructed in Nizhny Novgorod, and more than 120 «MiNiN» trams — manufactured at the «Nizhekotrans» plant in Vorsma, Nizhny Novgorod Region — have been delivered.

«The main goal of the project is to create comfortable conditions for residents to move around the city. During track modernization, materials are used that extend their service life, and the low‑floor „MiNiN“ trams are equipped with everything necessary for comfortable rides. I thank the award’s experts for their high assessment of our work», — said Igor Ishchenko.

The tram network modernization aligns with the goals of the national project «Infrastructure for Life», initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. As part of the federal project «Public Transport», more new, comfortable, and modern buses, trolleybuses, trams, and electric buses are appearing on city streets, and convenient routes are being introduced.