Gleb Nikitin proposed to create a state program for the development of river infrastructure.

      On August 4, 2026, at 12:50, Society Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin proposed the creation of a state program for the comprehensive development of transport, river, and docking infrastructure. The region is ready to become a pilot participant in such a project, he stated at a meeting on the development of tourism and the hospitality industry in the government of the Russian Federation.

      According to the head of the region, without federal support, it is impossible to ensure systematic renewal of the docks and accompanying infrastructure—both on the Volga and on other navigable rivers.

      "Such infrastructure, while also commercial, public-use projects can become a good project for the 'Tourism of Russia' corporation," he said.

      The governor added that the region is focusing on the development of road, rail, and river routes connecting the cities of the "Golden Ring." This year, 10 settlements in the region have been included in it.

      "A unique feature of the region in the Golden Ring is river tourism. The construction of paddle-wheel vessels of the PKS-180 'Golden Ring' and 'Aurum' project with a shallow draft has allowed the revival of the ring and cruise route along the Volga and Oka rivers, visiting the cities of this tourist route," noted the head of the region.

      Currently, there is a recorded increase in cruise traffic and a demand for new vessels of this type. Together with "Rosagrolizing," the region has prepared applications for the construction of a fleet within the framework of a new leasing program from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.

      Gleb Nikitin added that since 2019, the Nizhny Novgorod region has been developing its own fleet of high-speed passenger vessels and is working not only for itself but also for 13 regions. Authorities hope that changes to the federal subsidy rules being developed by the Ministry of Transport of Russia and Rosmorrechflot will help expand the opportunities for developing a high-speed fleet.

      The increase in tourist flow is putting pressure on the hospitality sector. Within the macro-territory of "Greater Volga," the region lacks 4,500 rooms.

      To address this issue, the region is developing new facilities under the national project "Tourism and Hospitality." A total of 17 modular accommodation projects with 294 rooms have already been implemented, and another 9 projects with 107 rooms are planned for 2026-2027. Additionally, under the preferential lending program, 15 hotels with a total of 2,226 rooms are being built at a total cost of 49.2 billion rubles.

      The tourist complex "Ecological Park" on the Rowing Canal, costing 8.2 billion rubles, is at a high degree of readiness. A five-star hotel with 265 rooms was put into operation in May, and the launch of an aquathermal complex is planned for August. The region has also established an investment-analytical office that supports projects from idea to commissioning.

      "On the agenda are nine new priority projects with a total cost of 31 billion rubles. Of these, we will submit at least five projects for 678 rooms to the program this year," said Gleb Nikitin.

      Earlier, it was reported that before the start of the meeting, the Chairman of the Government of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin, was presented with a project for the construction of a hotel on the embankment in Gorodets. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+