The development of the Murmansk Transport Hub is delayed compared to the progress in the offshore fields, therefore this will be a priority in the period 2010-2015, Levitin said at a meeting on transport strategy in the Federation Council, information agency Regnum reports. Minister Levitin underlined that money for the development of the Murmansk Transport Hub, including a 29 kilometer railroad, already has been granted. The reasons for the delays are problems with locations for the railroad and other constructions. The land that was assigned for construction work on the western side of Kola bay turned out to be leased out for 49 years. Part of the land was even sold. Getting access to these land areas could demand extra financing and possibly court proceedings, if the tenants are unwilling to give up the land voluntary. -As soon as we get the problems with the locations on the western side of the bay resolved, we will start building, the minister said.
