The JAO has revealed plans for the development of a bridge to China: cargo turnover will increase up to 22 million tons, and investments will reach up to 100 billion rubles

On September 30, the fifth thematic week of regions kicked off. At the «Region‑2030. Platform of the Future» exhibition held at the National Center «Russia», a presentation of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast (JAO) will take place. Visitors will be offered an extensive business and cultural programme, including a meeting with the region’s governor, performances by artists, and masterclasses. The development initiatives for the JAO are united under the slogan «A Small Region — Big Steps».

Heads of Russia’s largest companies, representatives of federal authorities, and public organizations have been invited to join the discussion with Maria Kostyuk, Head of the JAO.

One of the participants in the discussion was Vitaly Shishmarev, a member of the board of directors of IFR‑1 LLC — the operator of the unique Nizhneleninskoye—Tongjiang railway bridge crossing, located on the border between Russia and China. During the business meeting, plans to boost its capacity and build a large‑scale logistics infrastructure were unveiled; the project is expected to generate up to 2,000 new jobs.

Vitaly Shishmarev elaborated on the facility’s significance and future prospects. He noted that this is the first cross‑border railway crossing between the two countries, constructed by the Bamtonnelstroy‑Most group of companies under extremely challenging hydrological conditions on the Amur River.

The bridge’s operation has confirmed its relevance: since the facility began operations, over 13 million tonnes of cargo have been transported in total. The bridge enables cargo from Russian regions to reach China’s northern provinces six days faster, saving more than 1,000 kilometres in travel distance.

Ambitious Development Plans

The IFR‑1 group of companies aims to increase the cargo turnover across the bridge crossing to 22 million tonnes by 2030. To this end, up to 100 billion rubles will be invested in developing the adjacent infrastructure.

The plans include:

• Building modern terminal complexes: a universal transshipment terminal, a petrochemical terminal, and an agrologistics terminal.
• Upgrading the Birobidzhan—Leninsk railway line in partnership with Russian Railways (RZD).
• Constructing housing and social infrastructure for employees.

It is expected that the implementation of these plans will create up to 2,000 new jobs, both at the terminals themselves and in related sectors.