Russian government reshuffles transport bloc: Nikitin becomes deputy PM, Yadrov heads Transport Ministry

The Russian government approved personnel changes in the transport bloc. Andrei Nikitin was appointed deputy prime minister in place of Vitaly Savelyev and will oversee development of the transport complex. Dmitry Yadrov, former head of Rosaviatsia, became transport minister. Both set out their priorities at a State Duma committee meeting and when introduced to the Mintrans team.

Nikitin called for turning the transport complex into a single, well-coordinated system. The priorities he cited include deeper digitalization, faster introduction of autonomous transport systems, a seamless shift to electronic transport documents, more accurate planning of international transport corridor loads to address infrastructure bottlenecks, and development of regional logistics and small aviation.

Yadrov focused on maintaining the airworthiness of the existing fleet and ensuring reliable delivery of urgent, high-tech and valuable cargo, especially during peak loads or infrastructure constraints on ground routes. He also cited continued certification of domestic aircraft (MC-21, SSJ New, Osvey), raising the Eastern rail polygon's capacity to 210 million tonnes, completing legislative work to attract ships under the Russian flag and formalizing the Marine Administration of Russia. In addition, seaport capacity is planned to increase by 108 million tonnes by 2030, and 50 bypasses around settlements are to be built by 2030.