Modernization of the Ussuri Line of the Chinese Eastern Railway: Nikolskaya Branch in 1906–1919

The article, based on documents from Russian archives, examines the process of modernization of the Nikolskaya branch of the Ussuri railway following its incorporation into the Chinese Eastern Railway in 1906. The process of merging the two roads had both supporters and opponents. Nevertheless, Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905 strengthened the position of those who advocated the need to use the port of Vladivostok to transport various goods to the interior of the country. The Chinese Eastern Railway Society and its representatives sought to capitalize on this economic opportunity. The Nikolskaya railway branch connected the two roads and became an important strategic asset. However, its technical condition was far from ideal. Upgrades were needed, including the replacement of rolling stock and a comprehensive reconstruction of the railway tracks, roadbed, artificial structures, and station buildings. Furthermore, constructing permanent bridges to replace temporary ones was imperative. The modernization of the Ussuri railway and its Nikolskaya branch faced considerable challenges due to the mountainous landscape of the region. Increasing the highway’s capacity was essential to satisfy military needs, necessitating the addition of tracks and station buildings to improve grain transportation and facilitate the movement of military cargo from Vladivostok through Harbin to the central regions of Russia.