Transport Infrastructure of the Russian Arctic: Specifics Features and Development Prospects

— The Arctic vector is currently one of the most important in the domestic policy of Russia since it is the Arctic with its rich natural resources that will guarantee sustainable development and ensure the country’s national security in the 21st century. It is obvious that the tasks of large-scale development of the Arctic resources are inextricably linked with the need to develop and modernize the transport infrastructure. The article discusses the main factors that determine the specifics of the transport functioning in the Arctic and emphasizes the role of the state in the development of transport infrastructure. It is proved that the objective difficulties and high risks of transport operation in the Arctic regions are caused not only by unfavorable natural and geographical conditions but also by systematic underfunding of the transport industry as a whole. It is shown that large-scale infrastructure projects are aimed at servicing large export-oriented industrial enterprises and do not imply the intensive development of socially significant transport infrastructure that provides services to the population. In conclusion, the need to include in the program documents for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) the tasks of developing a socially significant transport infrastructure as one of the factors for improving the quality of life for the local population is substantiated.