Spatial development of Rostov region in the context of modernization of transport and logistics complex

Infrastructure is an important factor for strengthening regional economic relations and a required material improvement for balanced development. In Rostov region, the traffic intensity is one of the highest among regions in the Southern Federal District. Significant infrastructural constraints of the region’s development are insufficient quantity of detours for transit transport, leading to congestion of roads, settlements whose residents do not have regular bus (rail) communication with the administrative center. The axis of economic development of Rostov Region is being formed between urban agglomerations along transport corridors. Strengthening cooperation between the centers of economic activity will increase their overall competitiveness and contribute to the coordinated development of adjacent territories. The development of agglomerations involves the formation of new external functions and the restructuring of the internal space. The inclusion of municipalities in megacities involves the implementation of administrative decisions devoted to infrastructure. The Regional Law on Agglomerations provides for the possibility of concluding agreements on intermunicipal cooperation as well as unified approaches to common issues’ solution such as education, healthcare, transport, and urban environment. At the same time, clarifications are required in terms of agglomerations’ limits specification. In addition, it is required to assess the availability, road network, and infrastructure development potential. The analysis indicates an unbalanced internal economic development of Rostov Region due to weak transport links outside the agglomerations.