Checkpoint for first Russia-China cable car to be completed by end of 2026

BLAGOVESHCHENSK. June 24 (Interfax) - The checkpoint for the cross-border cable car connecting Russia and China across the Amur river will be built and equipped by the end of 2026, the Transport Ministry said.

"Under the Efficient Transport System national project, a pedestrian checkpoint, Blagoveshchensk-1, is being constructed in the Amur region. It will be located in the building complex of the world's first cross-border cable car. The facility will be equipped by the end of 2026," the ministry said.

The construction timeline has been synchronized by the Transport Ministry and Rosgranstroi with the Chinese side. The checkpoint's capacity will reach up to 2.5 million passengers per year.

As reported, the cable car is being built under an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and China signed in September 2015. The symbolic launch of the project took place in July 2019.

The project budget, including VAT reimbursement on investment costs, amounts to 13.2 billion rubles and covers both the terminal and the cable car itself.

The 976-meter route between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe will run 70 meters above the river and consist of two independent cable lines.

Contractors plan to complete construction of the international cable car this year, but regular operations are scheduled to begin following all tests in spring 2026.