OREANDA-NEWS. August 25, 2009. As part of a cooperation agreement between Russian Railways and Mongolian Railways, a joint project is being implemented to overhaul 108 km of the upper portion of the Mandal - Davaany stretch owned by JSC Ulan-Bator Railways. Under the agreement, each party will reconstruct 54 km of track. More than 23 kilometres of new track have been laid so far, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

"For the first time, so-called velvet track will be laid at Ulan-Bator Railways. This will increase train safety and allows higher speeds," said Vladimir Yakunin, president of Russian Railways. Work should be completed in October 2009.