Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia Seeks Rail Reform to Boost Ulaanbaatar Railway’s Efficiency
Economy
Ulaanbaatar, February 13, 2026 /MONTSAME/. Mongolia is seeking to accelerate the transfer of non-core social sector institutions, facilities, and certain assets of the Mongolia–Russia joint venture Ulaanbaatar Railway to state and local ownership to improve the company’s operational efficiency.
Minister
of Road and Transport Delgersaikhan Borkhuu emphasized that the move would have
strategic significance by improving the company’s financial and economic
performance, expediting the modernization of infrastructure and rolling stock,
and creating conditions for operating on a more business-oriented basis. He
made the remarks during an official meeting with Russian Transport Minister Andrei
Nikitin at the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
The
sides discussed a long-term strategy to elevate Mongolia–Russia transport
relations to a more stable and advanced level, as well as pressing issues in
bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on accelerating progress on
the “Central” railway corridor project outlined in the Mongolia–Russia–China
Economic Corridor Program, according to the Ministry of Road and Transport.
Within
the framework of road transport cooperation, the Mongolian side raised concerns
that, as Mongolia has not yet acceded to the European Agreement Concerning the
Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR),
Mongolian carriers are unable to use tachographs and are therefore subject to
fines in the Russian Federation. Mongolia proposed exploring more flexible
arrangements to address the issue.
The
minister also noted that with e-commerce trade between the Russian Federation
and China increasing rapidly, freight volumes along the AN-3 highway are
expected to rise. In this regard, Mongolia proposed increasing the number of transport
permits and improving mechanisms for their prompt exchange.
During the
meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to expanding and strengthening
strategic-level cooperation in the transport sector between the two countries.
