FAS DEVELOPED DRAFT RULES FOR NON-DISCRIMINATORY ACCESS TO FREIGHT RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

The discussion took place in the most open mode on the site of FAS Russia

The draft document was considered at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Transport under the leadership of the First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov. The commission was attended by interested agencies, Russian Railways JSC, the largest shippers, whose shipment volume exceeds 70 %, container operators, OPORA Russia, as well as representatives of the scientific community, associations and incorporations.

"The need for changes is connected with the new economic situation and the redistribution of cargo flows. The version of the Rules of Non-Discriminatory Access (RNDA) presented for discussion is taken as a basis. All proposals announced at the meeting will be worked out. It is planned that the final document will become effective from September 1, 2024", Andrei Belousov commented.

The project developed by FAS Russia clearly establishes the priority of cargo transportation on a scarce railway infrastructure, and also determines the procedure for Russian Railways to work with shippers' requests in limiting directions.

"By defining non-discriminatory access to the services of a natural monopoly entity, the developed rules ensure that the interests of all participants in the railway transportation market are balanced", said Petr Ivanov, Deputy Head of FAS Russia.

Authority notes that the draft document is based on the Rules of non-discriminatory access of carriers to the infrastructure of public railway transport*, which are currently suspended.

After the approval of the document, Russian Railways JSC will be recommended to bring the Temporary Rules in line with the new version of the RNDA for the period until the entry into force of the RNDA from September 1, 2024. Until then, it will be possible to evaluate the effectiveness of this project and, if necessary, make adjustments to it.

* Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 710 of 25.11.2003 "On Approval of the Rules of Non-discriminatory Access of Carriers to the Infrastructure of Public Railway Transport"