The Izhevsk-Balezino line opens, linking the Russia’s North, Urals, and Siberia

The first surveys for the line, which was supposed to connect the Perm and Kazan railways thus linking the Russia’s North, Urals, and Siberia, were done in 1913. Later, under the Soviet rule, feasibility studies were carried out for three options: Izhevsk – Votkinsk – Nytva, Izhevsk – Votkinsk – Vereshchagino, Izhevsk – Balezino.

The outbreak of the Great Patriotic War spurred the decision. On October 12, 1941, the People’s Commissariat of Railways opts for the latter project and approves the primary budget. No sooner had the decree been signed on construction (December 25, 1941), than professional construction workers, who were the project’s trailblazers, started staking the route of the future railway.

In the spring of 1942, before laying the tracks, preparatory works got underway, such as deforestation, grading and earth moving. The landscape was rather complicated. Crossing the watershed between the Izh and Cheptsa rivers was the most challenging part. The route was to come through Kekoran village. It was a bold move to opt for the explosive construction technique. The construction was carried out by department No. 31/13 headed by V. Vorobyov. The works were conducted in two directions, from Izhevsk and Balezino, using the so-called "Fergana technique". The Izhevsk – Balezino railway was a project of strategic importance, so the Red Army soldiers were replaced by rural population not engaged in defense production. The project involved population and capacities of 29 districts of the republic. The works engaged up to 24,000 people and 7,500 carts a day.

Overall, the project ended up with 2,907,000 cu. meters of ground excavated, 139 km of tracks laid, 182 structures built, including 30 wooden bridges, 4 overpasses, 8 passing loops, 8 stations, a turnaround depot, 17 dormitories, 5 residential buildings and much more.

The builders suffered great hardships, they encountered desperate shortage of food, clothes, medications. Despite this plight, as soon as in March 1943 regular operations began.

Over 1943 and 1944, trains carried 1,605,000 tonnes of various cargos and 300,000 passengers along the line. Most of the cargo was delivered for the needs of the Izhevsk factories.

In January 1944, the Izhevsk – Balezino line began tentative operation, and on February 9, 1945, full-time service started.