The Tran-Siberian railroad holds the record for the longest in the world. This is, of course, is printed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Were there a category for difficulty of construction, this engineering feat would surely reside near the top of the list.
As the size and difficulty of traveling and shipping through Russia was an enduring challenge, developing a national railroad became a priority for economic reasons. For armies on foot, Russia was infamously difficult to conquer because of the weather, terrain and its size. However, once it was decided, the land’s own people did not dawdle in defeating the task of erecting an impressive railroad. In general, railroad construction is more interesting than the projects that enable air, water and bus travel. However, this engineering feat that united Eastern and Western Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, and many important cities, in spite of the ever-challenging climate and terrain, has a long and uniquely fascinating history.
The Different Lines
The principal route of the Trans-Siberian railway joins Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east. Options for taking a Moscow to Vladivostok train are still available today. If you choose to hop on and hop off the train during the trip you can choose which way to go – via Nizhny Novgorod or passing through Kazan. If you would like to see the capital of Tatarstan as a part of your Trans-Siberian experience, here are Moscow to Kazan trains to choose from.
The Trans-Siberian express also crosses international borders and traverses other interesting areas.
The Trans-Mongolian railroad joins Beijing and Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern bank. Constructed between 1940 and 1956, it crosses the Gobi desert.
The Trans-Manchurian railroad is 9001 kilometers long and dips down into China near Zabaikalsk. It also ends in Beijing and coincides with the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. It is one of the best ways of traveling from Moscow to Beijing.
The Baikal Amur Magistrale (BAM) is north of the Trans-Siberian and parallel to it. Beginning in Taishet, it runs to Sovetskaya Gavan. Service began in 1984. However, this is not a continuous route, so it is not advertised. Passengers find themselves switching trains and taking buses to reach many locations. Needless to say, it may not be for the novice Russia traveler.
Construction History:
By the mid-nineteenth century, the construction of a railroad to outer Siberia was a hot topic, even for foreign companies to discuss. However, bridging the latitudinal expanse of Russia did not become a project executed by foreigners. There was no Panama Canal-style overtaking by another country or company. No Tsar would permit outside influence. Eventually the Russian treasury’s funds were appropriated for the project.
Alexander III finally sent three investigatory expeditions to the proposed areas in 1877. By February of 1891, men were put to work on it simultaneously in Vladivostok and Chelyabinsk. The Tzar’s son Nikolay Alexandrovich installed the first rock and a silver plate as a ground-breaking gesture. As the Tsar would have it, the railroad would be built by Russian hands using Russian materials.
An Arduous Task
Between the unforgiving climate and terrain of the taiga, the large rivers, numerous lakes and the lack of civilization, few construction feats have persisted in such harsh conditions as those of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. And to top it off, the need to blow up mountains in the Baikal region further complicated things.
Visitors who are not ready to experience the entire length of Trans-Siberian Railway should at least take a trip on the Moscow to Irkutsk train to enjoy the unique and enormous Lake Baikal. It’s the deepest lake in the world, with clear, pure water and high visibility. Lake Baikal is the topic of much folklore and superstition. Also, it’s rich in interesting (and verified) flora and fauna.
Returning to the rail’s history, in only twelve years, the completed Trans-Siberian railway provided a means of transport from Europe to the Pacific Ocean. The total distance was 7,5000 kilometers. This pace could not have been predicted based on the enormity and complexity of the project. It became, and remains, a source of national pride for Russians.
Impetus for Improvement
Economic stimulation quickly followed, as goods traveled great distances faster than ever and new trade options developed. Nevertheless, the shortcomings of the great railroad became salient during the Russo-Japanese war (1905-1906). A thirteen-train-per-day maximum did not suffice in a time of war. After the war’s resolution, more trains were added. Still, the trains lacked speed and carrying capacity. Metal rails replaced the former wooden ones, which helped achieve both aims. Finally, the train was expanded to travel continuously from Vladivostok throughout Russia.
War Strikes Again
World War I did not bode well for the condition of the railroad. Similarly, the Civil War (1918-1920, led to the destruction of many trains and cars. Railroad bridges also met with fire and explosives. Fortunately, repairs and replacements began immediately after the war. By 1925, bellicose challenges had waned long enough for the trains to begin running again. Luckily, no major impediments to operations followed. To date, the Trans-Siberian railroad has been operating without a break for nearly a century.
Current Challenges
Unfortunately, companies block transport in the far east at the present moment. Resolving this problem with international players and companies is difficult. However, improving relations with South Korea and other countries is helping. Passionate Russian proponents of the Trans-Siberian still hope it has the potential to rival and surpass the sea transport methods that now dominate trade between the west and east. With enhancements and modernizations, perhaps freight traffic can increase. This might prove more lucrative than tourism, since travelers currently find it difficult to cross the borders, mostly in the western region.
A Unique Historical Gem
Upon initiating the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, Alexander III aimed to open up the Siberian regions, to expose and transport their natural gifts. Perhaps soon it will create a path between Sakhalin Island with the mainland and with Hokkaido. Accomplishing this via bridges or tunnels is possible. At the moment, the means of connection is a topic of much debate among engineers.
Between its massiveness and the topographical and climactic challenges of constructing and maintaining the Trans-Siberian railroad, it is one of Russia’s greatest wonders. With its ability to unite disparate and unfamiliar people and regions, it also resides among the world’s economic and cultural gems. To take a journey on the Trans-Siberian railroad is to experience history coming to life. Take either the train from Moscow to Irkutsk or go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok.
