MOSCOW, March 14(Xinhua) -- Russia started Thursday to build its first high-speed railway with a designed speed over 250 kilometers per hour, linking Moscow and St. Petersburg.

       "The rail line will go over the territory of six regions of the Federation, where about 30 million people are living. This is about 20% of the total population of Russia," Russian President Vladimir Putin said via a video for the groundbreaking ceremony.

       The high-speed railway will play an important role in promoting the country's infrastructure construction, regional development as well as people's living standards, he added.

       According to Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev, upon completion, the travel time by train between Moscow and St. Petersburg will be reduced from 4 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travel time between other cities along the route will also be shortened.

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       Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed rail project is scheduled to be opened to traffic in 2028. Apart from Moscow and St. Petersburg, 14 stations are expected to open along the route.