Key stages of development of transport projects in the Russian Empire and their features

Abstract

The presented article examines the problem of the origin of railways in the Russian Empire and the activities of the Main Society of Russian Railways. At the beginning of the article, the author analyzes various historical sources, including the works of researchers involved in railway construction in the Russian Empire. Special attention is paid in the article to F.A. Gerstner himself, regarding whom a fairly large number of both positive and highly controversial reviews and opinions have been collected. We have substantiated the opinion that the construction of the first railways is reflected in some detail in pre-revolutionary historiography, where the special role of Emperor Nicholas I is highlighted as a characteristic feature. The main part of the study is devoted to the analysis of the creation and activities of the Society. The author examines the main studies affecting the initial stage of its functioning. An analysis is being made of how successfully the created organization coped with the tasks assigned to it by the Government of the Russian Empire. At the same time, the author of the article pays close attention to the political and financial privileges and powers granted by the authorities of this organization at various historical stages, as well as the difficulties it has faced during its existence. Along with this, the study provides a retrospective analysis of the problems that have arisen in the activities of the Main Society and the state in the construction of new and maintenance of existing railways. In the final part of the article, a conclusion is drawn about the work of the Main Railway Society, summarizing the effectiveness of the created organization in the process of forming the transport infrastructure of the Russian Empire.