Shishkarev About Russian Transport Sector: “We Should Give a Chance to the Young”
A political will, a stern discipline and a guarantee of punishment for violators – is a true recipe for Russian transport infrastructure improvement, – said theChairman of the Presidium of party “Rodina” Political Council Sergey Shishkarev in a radio show at “City-FM”.
The experienced executive shared his opinion on the Russian infrastructure having few points of increase: “In the sphere of transport machine-building it is wagon and rolling stock manufacture. Nevertheless, all necessary and sufficient machinery for conveyance of persons (such as busses and tramways)? – This type of machine-building is almost lost already”.
However to Shishkarev the situation does not seem hopeless: “I think that what we need here is strong political will and efficient executors. And as for high demand, I can see that we’re reaching it. Probably not as fast as one could hope but that’s just how it is. We should administer punishment for those who steal, for those who announce plans and in the end we have something like SuperJet case”.
During the interview the expert touched upon the issue of domestic aviation industry, proving the example of Sukhoi SuperJet as a vivid illustration of technical and technological arrearage: “We could have used innovative materials – fine and suitable. But we’re lagging behind such planes as Boeing even in terms of appearance. I’m not even going to mention such things as noise insulation”. Shishkarev is confident that such substandard projects involve “image and reputation losses” for our country, hence “it’s high time we start inquiring about tens of billions exhausted rubles”.
Speaking about infrastructure segment Shishkarev called on the public to relinquish the use of the term “innovation” till its sense is truly comprehended: “Let’s not use it for a while. I suppose that after some time it will gain its real meaning”.
The expert noted that management is one of the most important factors that influence transport sphere, – the higher executive officials who develop and implement infrastructure projects. In Shishkarev’s opinion “the essential requirement for them is the right spirit: constructive and correct allocation of tasks”. “But I will repeat myself – we should start finding the responsible party – those upon whom those tasks had been set. We shouldn’t be too timid to change people in this sector. I know we’re sick and tired of same people going in circles from one position to another. We should give a chance for the young generation to step in, let them take risks, implement their knowledge and creativity”, – remarked Shishkarev.
Due to the conclusion of the investigation of the motor vessel “Bulgaria” wreckage the host of the radio-show asked Sergey Shishkarev to comment on the current state of water transport and give advice to potential passengers.He admitted that it will take a lot of time and work to bring Russian water transport to high level of safety, comfort and profitability. He also gave hints how to secure your safety if you do have to use water transport after all: “Use your common sense. When you board the vessel take a good look on the ship and its crew. You can see if it’s looking good and the team is prepared to performing its duties”. Nonetheless he considers technical instruction to be paramount: “I can give only firm warning: you should know where the life-jacket is situated, where the emergency exit is, where to run in case of emergency and how to save your life. Rely more on yourself than on the safety of water transport”.
Meanwhile, on 5 February 15, 2013 Sergey Shishkarev has been appointed a member of the Marine Board of the Government of the Russian Federation. Given his rich executive experience in transport and infrastructure, the politician plans “to get into shipbuilding in the south of Russia” for improving foregoing situation.