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What cargoes were transported on the Volga River?
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Volga River
The Dnieper, Don, and Volga river basins and their drainage network.
The Volga River serves as a vital artery for inland freight in Russia, carrying a diverse range of goods essential to the economy.1
Construction and raw materials constitute the majority of the freight, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the total volume. Other significant cargoes transported along the river include:1
- Petroleum and petroleum products1
- Coal1
- Foodstuffs1
- Salt1
- Agricultural machinery and tractors1
- Automobiles1
- Chemical apparatus1
- Fertilizers1
Additionally, the Volga-Don Canal, which links the Volga to the Don River, facilitates the movement of timber and coal between regions. Through its integration with an extensive network of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga remains central to the transportation of goods across eastern Europe.21