Ensuring transport security in the Russian empire (1797-1917)

The article considers the evolution of internal transport communications in Russia from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century: from river, sea and road transport to railways. The author presents official historical documents on the base of which the authorities of the country created transport security agencies. The article studies the work of police and gendarme police departments of the railways, which provided not only security, but also smooth operation of the railway network. Based on the documents of the Provisional Government, the author shows the negative impact of the February revolution, which led to the elimination of the transport security system.