What is the Trans-Siberian Railway?
The Trans-Siberian Railway or “Transsib” is famous not only in Russia, but all over the world. The Trans-Siberian railway is the longest railroad in the world and was built in a record-breaking short period of time. It also has amazing innovative engineering solutions.
Today the Trans-Siberian Railway is a well equipped railway line that stretches through the whole continent of Russia. It is a common misconception that the line runs only through Siberia but in fact it is an essential artery for the entire Russian Federation. The line connects the European part of Russia including the largest industrial regions and the capital city of Moscow with Siberia traveling all the way to the Far East areas.
The Railway was built to unite the country which stretched over 10 time zones. This was essential for Russia to keep the Far East region and Pacific coast connected with the rest of the country. By comparison, Alaska which once belonged to Russia had no transport connection to the Russian Empire.
Historically, the Far regions of Siberia were used as a raw material source and for national defense purposes. Therefore the level of industrialization and population was lower. The effect of building Trans-Siberian Railway pushed the development of eastern areas and involved those regions in economic development for the entire nation.
[imageflow id=3] Construction of the Railway began officially on 19 May 1891 near Vladivostok, Russia (a large Far East city and seaport). The commencement of the first rail began with the future emperor Nikolay II. The project was dubbed “The Great Siberian Way”(historical name). Even then it was clear enough that the Trans-Siberian Railway will be an event of the century and a brilliant historical project. The construction of this key line was equal in importance to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad built in the United States.
The actual length of the Trans-Siberian Railway on the main passenger course (from Moscow to Vladivostok) measures 9288,2 km ( 5771,3 miles ). It is the longest railway on the planet crossing overland most of Eurasia.
The name Trans-Siberian Railway was coined by an Englishman who interpreted the Russian “Great Siberian Way” in a non literal fashion.
Traveling via the Trans-Siberian railway in the 21st century will take only 6 days and will be an unforgettable event in life. In less than a week you will change your watch 8 times and cross more than 20 Russian regions. Passengers enjoy the climate, nature and cultural variety while comfortably riding the train to their destination.
I can’t think of a more charming way of taking in the spectacular sights that Russia, in her majestic splendor, has to offer than with a trip aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. I have wanted to take this trip for a while now and am hoping to pull it off sometime during the next few years. Currently feeling ambitious (or perhaps a bit crazy), I feel it would be most appropriate to cross Siberia in the middle of winter, as a way to say I’ve really accomplished something more than a relaxing, laid-back vacation. I’m looking for more of an adventure. Although there may be more to see and do in the warmer weather. Either way, I’m sure the trip will be awesome. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the information provided on your site (DiscoverSiberia.net) and seeing all the pictures. Russia looks beautiful; its people seem welcoming and quite hospitable; and I can’t wait to experience it all for myself.
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Thank you for many interesting posts. In live with Siberia!
[...] in 1891, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began to link Siberia to the rest of Russia. From 1801 to 1914, about seven million people moved [...]