Moscow, 31 December — Heavy snowfall across Krasnodar Krai has disrupted rail services in southern Russia, leaving more than 50 passenger trains delayed as operators work to restore normal timetables ahead of the holiday travel peak.
The Federal Passenger Company (FPC) said in its Telegram channel that 55 trains were delayed after abnormal snowfall affected the Kuban region. The network introduced temporary timetables and switched some services to diesel traction while repair teams worked to clear lines and restore the contact network.
Kuban train delays impact and response
Among the services with altered departure times are long-distance trains connecting regional spa and resort towns with major Russian cities. Affected services include train No. 344 (Kislovodsk to Adler), No. 261 (Nalchik to Moscow), No. 365 (Kislovodsk to Perm), No. 49 (Kislovodsk to Saint Petersburg), No. 3 (Kislovodsk to Moscow) and No. 358 (Imeretinsky Resort to Ufa). The FPC said passengers on trains delayed by more than four hours are being provided with meals.
Rail operator North Caucasus Railway reported that a contact line failure on the Kavkazskaya–Kubanskaya section overnight had exacerbated the situation. Earlier in the morning the operator noted delays affecting 18 long-distance and three suburban passenger services. Repair brigades are working on several stretches concurrently to accelerate recovery.
Authorities have mobilised more than 300 railway workers to clear snow, repair infrastructure and manage traffic. To keep services moving, some delayed trains are now running on a temporary schedule and using diesel locomotives where electrified traction is not available. Several trains have already passed barrier points and continued their journeys once track conditions allowed.
Transport officials stressed that work continues around the clock to reduce further disruption and to ensure passenger safety. The use of temporary timetables and diesel traction is intended as a pragmatic measure to maintain links between the Krasnodar region and Russia’s wider rail network while permanent repairs proceed.
Winter weather can cause sudden interruptions to rail operations, particularly on routes serving mountain and coastal areas. The Kuban region, which includes popular resorts that attract many visitors during the New Year period, is particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall and associated infrastructure damage.
Passengers affected by delays are advised to monitor official FPC and North Caucasus Railway channels for updates and to expect changes to scheduled departure and arrival times. Those with onward connections should allow extra time and contact operators for rebooking or assistance where necessary.
Railway repair teams said they were conducting simultaneous operations on several sections to expedite restoration. The coordinated response aims to return services to normal as quickly as possible while maintaining safety standards for both passengers and staff.
The incident underlines the challenges operators face in maintaining reliable transport services during extreme weather events, and the importance of contingency planning and rapid repair capabilities during busy travel periods.
Key Takeaways:
- Severe snowfall in Krasnodar Krai has caused Kuban train delays, with 55 services held up according to the Federal Passenger Company.
- Several named long-distance trains have altered departure times and passengers delayed by more than four hours receive meals.
- Rail crews and repair teams, more than 300 workers, are using temporary timetables and diesel traction to restore services.
- Authorities continue repairs after a damaged contact line between Kavkazskaya and Kubanskaya disrupted morning services.
