Rais of Tatarstan: We were one of the first in Russia to identify agglomerations as the main growth points of the regional economy
Tatarstan Rais Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the plenary session of the forum "REBUS: Agglomerations. Challenges. Prospects". The participants discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban agglomerations in the 21st century.
The event was held at the Kazan Expo. The work was attended by Nikita Stasishin, Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing of the Russian Federation, Alexander Sokolov, Governor of the Kirov Region, Wang Jide, Chairman of the People's Political Advisory Council of Xi'an (China), Marat Aizatullin, Minister of Construction, Architecture and Housing of the Republic of Tatarstan, and others.
Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the topic of the forum is relevant for most regions of our country: "A systematic approach is needed for the further development of agglomerations. It is necessary to create an appropriate legal framework and mechanisms for attracting financial resources to infrastructure, to ensure balanced construction of housing, social and public facilities, as well as places of employment."
Rustam Minnikhanov stressed that Tatarstan has been working in this direction for many years. The Republic was one of the first in Russia to identify agglomerations as the main growth points of the regional economy. The agglomeration approach was consolidated within the framework of the Socio-economic Development Strategy of the region until 2030. 3 agglomerations with their own zones of influence were designated. These are the Kazan, Kama and Almetyevsk agglomerations. Today, more than 3 million people live in them - 77% of the population of Tatarstan. Agglomerations account for 85% of the republic's GRP.
Rustam Minnikhanov said that in 2022, the Institute of Spatial Planning was established in Tatarstan for more effective inter-municipal cooperation in agglomerations. One of his main tasks is to develop master plans for the development of agglomerations. The Institute has already completed work on the master plan of the Kazan agglomeration, within the framework of which solutions have been prepared for the balanced development of Kazan and municipal districts in its periphery, the development of transport and engineering infrastructure, and environmental issues have been worked out. Today, more than 70% of housing in the entire republic is being built in the Kazan agglomeration.
"This year, the Institute is completing work on the development of a master plan for the Kama agglomeration, the next stage is the Almetyevsk agglomeration. These territories are the production centers of the republic and have high investment attractiveness," the Rais of Tatarstan drew attention.
The master plans being developed also address the task of preserving the historical heritage and adapting it to modern use so that it continues to serve for the benefit of Tatarstan. Rustam Minnikhanov recalled that as part of his Message to the Federal Assembly, the President of Russia instructed to develop 200 master plans for agglomerations and large cities. "We are ready to replicate our achievements and help the regions in this work," the RT Rais addressed the participants of the meeting.
He noted that in recent years there has been a record pace of housing construction. So, last year, over 110 million square meters of housing were commissioned in Russia, including about 3.5 million square meters in Tatarstan. The main share of commissioning falls on agglomerations. At the same time, the growth of housing construction in them leads to an overload of the transport network, a shortage of engineering and social infrastructure within agglomerations. "It is impossible to resolve these issues without federal support. Thanks to her, we are implementing a number of large-scale infrastructure projects in agglomerations," the Rais of the Republic said.
Thus, the projects "Bolshoy Zelenodolsk", "Laishevsky node", etc. are being implemented in the Kazan agglomeration. The construction of departure routes is underway. This year, the construction of the Voznesensky Tract is being completed, which will connect Kazan with suburban settlements and provide high-speed access to the federal highway M-7. It is equally important, according to Rais Tatarstan, to pay attention to ensuring transport links between agglomerations. For this purpose, the Alekseevskoye – Almetyevsk highway, a section of the federal highway M-7 with a bypass of Nizhnekamsk and Naberezhnye Chelny with a bridge over the Kama River will be introduced. These projects are being implemented thanks to the huge support of the federal center.
During the discussion, the Rais of Tatarstan noted that each agglomeration, in addition to a certain specialization, should have powerful educational centers and anchor universities. At the same time, it is necessary to create new industries and jobs in municipal areas adjacent to large cities in order to minimize pendulum migration.
According to Nikita Stasishin, Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation, it is necessary to create an absolutely new quality of life, which even in the agglomeration would contribute to improving demography.