Discussions about the Fate of BAM in the 1990s (Based on Materials from Local Newspapers)

This article presents a detailed analysis of the debates concerning the future trajectory of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) during the socio-economic transformations of the 1990s in Russia. The article focuses on materials from regional and national publications of the time, reflecting the views of various social groups and political approaches to the preservation and development of the region’s transport infrastructure. The author examines the key arguments of those in favor of continuing the line’s operation, emphasizing its importance for the socioeconomic development of Siberia and the Far East, as well as the criticisms of opponents who noted the project’s ineffective management and lack of investment. Publications on the state of the railway network, environmental issues associated with its operation, and opportunities for attracting private investors are analyzed. Based on a vast array of local newspaper materials and archival data, the author analyzes public opinion, economic strategies, and political initiatives related to the prospects for the development and operation of the BAM in the post-Soviet period.