"Geography Lessons": a train that changes the perception of distances

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The journey from Moscow to Saint Petersburg in two hours — until recently, this was only possible in science fiction plots. Today, it is a real engineering project that guests of the National Centre RUSSIA can see. The "Geography Lessons" exposition features a model of the first domestic high-speed train and the project for the Moscow — Saint Petersburg railway, which are changing the very perception of distances.

The length of the high-speed railway (HSR) between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is about 700 kilometres, and the journey time will be approximately two hours. For comparison, the first train between the two capitals took about 21 hours — ten times longer. The first HSR line will pass through six regions: the City of Moscow, the City of Saint Petersburg, the Moscow Region, the Tver Region, the Novgorod Region, and the Leningrad Region. Currently, work is underway on all sections of the route.

To implement the HSR in Russia, breakthrough technologies have been developed, taking into account extreme climatic and geographical conditions. The project is based on advanced engineering solutions: speeds of up to 400 km/h, ballastless seamless tracks, digital control systems, and elements of artificial intelligence. The infrastructure is designed to operate in extreme conditions.

The first Russian high-speed train is being created at a plant in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, and its engine is being built in Chelyabinsk. The aerodynamic shape of the body will reduce noise levels and energy consumption, making travel more comfortable and environmentally friendly. Its movement will be controlled by a domestic system with elements of artificial intelligence: it includes autonomous driving technologies and biometric passenger boarding.

More than 150 enterprises from 36 regions of the country are involved in the work on the train. Simultaneously, new production facilities are being created and modern technological solutions are being implemented. The exposition complex dedicated to the high-speed railway is located in the "Distances. Overcoming the Expanses" hall. Here, guests can see how Russia's transport geography has changed — from the first routes of communication to modern ones.

"Geography Lessons" is a large-scale project of the National Centre RUSSIA. It is a journey through the centuries: from ancient scrolls to digital maps, from the first geographical discoveries to the exploration of space and the transport systems of the future. The National Centre RUSSIA has collected unique cartographic materials from the country's leading repositories — the Russian State Library, the Russian Geographical Society, the archives of the Ministry of Defence, universities, and research centres.

One can visit the exposition as part of a group by registering on the National Centre RUSSIA website or independently using an audio guide.