Cuba partners with Russia to develop railway transport

Cuba’s Vice‑Minister of Transport, Luis Roberto Rosés Hernández, announced at the International Transport Summit in Moscow that the island plans to expand its railway system in partnership with Russia. He noted that about 70 % of Cuba’s rolling stock is of Russian origin and that the cooperation will focus on upgrading rail infrastructure, maintaining locomotives and wagons, and advancing electric and renewable‑energy mobility. The initiative is presented as a response to the growing U.S. economic blockade, aiming to secure financial and energy sustainability for Cuba’s transport sector.

The summit, which gathers municipal leaders, industry experts and technology specialists, serves as a platform for discussing urban development and strengthening international transport cooperation, with Russia positioning itself as a key strategic partner for Cuba’s rail ambitions.