Two exits appeared at the 780th kilometer, in the Verkhneuslonsky district of the republic near the village named after Vakhitov, at the interchange with the 16K-0674 highway “Kazan – Ulyanovsk” – Kamskoye Ustye. The exit will simplify the route to Moscow and to one of the popular resorts, Kamskoye Ustye, for residents of the region and transit transport.
Two exits at the 804th kilometer connected the M-12 with the 16K-1063 highway “Stolbishche – Atabaevo”. This improved the accessibility of the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and the developing logistics hub in its suburbs. The fifth exit appeared at the 822nd kilometer, in the Laishevsky district of the republic. It provides a connection to the federal highway R-239 “Kazan – Orenburg” and simplifies the route to the international airport and the Laishevo resort.
The M-12 highway is part of the international transport corridor “West – East”, the project of which involves connecting St. Petersburg with Vladivostok. In the west, the highway adjoins the border with Europe, and in the east, it is planned to connect with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and North Korea in the future.
Construction of the road from Moscow to Kazan began in 2020. Just three years later, a motorcade was seen moving near the Moscow Kremlin. The finish took place at the walls of the Kazan Kremlin. 901.5 billion rubles were spent on the 811 km highway: 602.6 billion from the federal budget, 150 from the National Welfare Fund, 148.9 from a bond loan.
Since 2023, the highway has been used 43 million times, but at first, things were not so smooth. Annoying mistakes were noticed on information banners: the city of Sergach (Nizhny Novgorod region) had an extra soft sign at the end, and the name of Sudogda (Vladimir region) was missing a second letter “D”. It was then promised that the mistakes would be corrected, but these blunders were the beginning of a series of difficulties.
More serious problems were revealed during the active operation of the highway. Drivers reported traffic jams at the few gas stations. Instructions were initially given: fill up the tank – free the pump – go about your business, and it was later recommended to set off with a full tank. Later, the company announced plans to accelerate construction and installation work to launch new gas stations.
Drivers also complained about uncleared snow on the roads, which increased travel time by several hours.
M-12 highway
The M-12 is a major Russian federal highway, also known as the “Vostok” (East) Highway, connecting Moscow to Kazan. Its construction began in the late 2010s as a key part of a planned high-speed transport corridor, with the first sections opening to traffic in 2023.
Kazan Kremlin
The Kazan Kremlin is a historic citadel in Tatarstan, Russia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built by the Volga Bulgars, it was conquered by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century, after which its famous Annunciation Cathedral and leaning Söyembikä Tower were constructed. It is a unique complex where an Orthodox Christian cathedral and the Kul Sharif Mosque stand side-by-side, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of cultures.
Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, serving as the official residence of the President of Russia. Its origins date back to the 12th century, though most of its iconic cathedrals and walls were constructed by Italian architects in the 15th century under Ivan the Great. It symbolizes Russian political power and houses an unparalleled collection of tsarist treasures and religious artifacts.
Kamskoye Ustye
Kamskoye Ustye is a historic village and administrative center in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, situated at the confluence of the Volga and Kama rivers. Its history is deeply tied to its strategic location, which made it a significant trade and cultural hub during the Volga Bulgaria era and later under the Khanate of Kazan. Today, it is known for its scenic river views and serves as a gateway to the nearby Ulyanovsk Oblast.
Laishevo
Laishevo is a historic town in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, founded in the 16th century as a fortress on the banks of the Kama River. It is most notable for its significant role in the region’s trade and commerce during the era of the Volga Bulgaria and the subsequent Khanate of Kazan. Today, it serves as an administrative center and retains a quiet, historical character.
Kazan – Ulyanovsk
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, renowned for its historic Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of Orthodox and Islamic cultures. Ulyanovsk, located further down the Volga River, is historically significant as the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin and was renamed in his honor in 1924. Both cities are major cultural and industrial centers on the Volga.
Kazan – Orenburg
“Kazan – Orenburg” refers to the historic postal route connecting the cities of Kazan and Orenburg in Russia. Established in the 18th century, this route was a vital trade and communication artery that facilitated the integration of the Volga region and the southern Ural steppes into the Russian Empire. It played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchange between these regions.
West – East
I am unable to provide a summary for “West – East” as it is not a specific, identifiable place or cultural site. To give you an accurate historical summary, could you please provide the full and correct name of the location you have in mind?
