River passenger traffic in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast increased 50-fold over five years.

      October 1, 2025, 16:46

      Society

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Sergey Bishletov

      River transport in the Nizhny Novgorod region is showing steady growth: in 2025 vessels carried more than 115,000 passengers. This figure was announced at a meeting on waterborne transport held at the Volga State University of Water Transport on October 1.

      The chairman of the regional Legislative Assembly, Evgeny Lyulin, noted that over the past five years passenger traffic on local water routes has increased more than 50-fold. According to him, this has been made possible by systematic support for the industry and fleet renewal.

      In 2025 the region received two new high-speed vessels of the "Meteor 120R" model under a preferential leasing program. Another such vessel is expected next year. In addition, plans call for the purchase of two modern motor ships "Valday 45R".

      At the same time the region is betting on the development of environmentally friendly water transport. In the future — the introduction of electric vessels and the organization of hovercraft routes, which will make year-round navigation possible.

      Lyulin also drew attention to the staffing and production components. According to him, there is already a shortage of qualified specialists needed to operate and maintain the new vessels.

      "It is obvious that demand for professional personnel in river transport is growing. The Alekseev Central Design Bureau in Nizhny Novgorod is already experiencing a shortage of production capacity to fulfill orders for 'Meteors.' This is a serious issue that requires separate attention," the regional parliament speaker emphasized.

      Recall that electric vessels will begin operating in Nizhny Novgorod from 2026.

      It was previously reported that the first "Meteor" was sent from Nizhny Novgorod to Rostov-on-Don.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about major events, exclusive materials and breaking news.

      Copyright © 1999–2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain 18+ materials.