The Construction and Reconstruction of Railways in Soviet Belarus as a Historical Form of Implementing National Goals and Projects

Abstract

National projects are a modern way of implementing strategic objectives of social and state development. This approach may be considered new, but the objectives of developing (restor ing) the national economy should be considered traditional.At the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation, 19 new national projects were launched in 2025. They cover virtually all areas, including strategic transportation. Implementation of these plans should improve the quality of life for Russians and elevate many industries to new heights. (Presidential Decree No. 309 of May 7, 2024).A distinctive feature of national projects is that they are not confined to a single industry, but rather represent complex projects that intersect not only with internal but also with external challenges. All three areas of the national projects — “Human Capital”, “Comfortable Living Environment”, and “Economic Growth” — have a clear transport dimension.Railways and their restoration and construction are a prerequisite for any progressive de velopment. In turn, the development of the state and society presupposes clear goal-setting.Railways are a relatively expensive element of a state's economic infrastructure, capable of outliving the state in which they are built. On the other hand, investments in infrastructure help stabilize development for decades to come.