OREANDA-NEWS. February 08, 2013. Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, summed up the Company’s work in January 2013 during a conference call, reported the press-centre of RZD.

The Company President noted a whole series of improvements in the Company’s operational performance compared to January 2012. In particular, the average train weight increased by 0.5% to 3,894 tons, average daily locomotive productivity rose by 3% and the service speed of freight trains was up 5% to 40.2 kph.

Yakunin also said that the average daily loading volume was 3.071 million tons, 6.2% below the previous year. According to Yakunin, the decline was predictable: in the fourth quarter of 2012, risks increased regarding the outlook for the Russian economy and the demand for rail transport. The most significant fall was recorded in categories such as construction materials, grain and ferrous metals. Freight turnover including empty wagon runs of other owners fell by almost 8% compared to January 2012.

"In today’s environment, our efforts have to be focused on attracting additional cargo and increasing our internal efficiency," said Vladimir Yakunin.