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It took more than half a century, but the International Union of Railways (UIC) has brought a founding member back into the fold. The union recently announced its general assembly approved a measure to add the Russian Railways (RZD) as an active member.

Formerly the Railways of the Soviet Union, RZD helped found UIC in 1922. However, the railroad cut ties with the union in 1949.

“The return of the Russian Railways is a prime example of the spirit of the October 2005 ‘Delhi Declaration,’ which set out to transform UIC into a real worldwide organization,” said UIC Chairman Benedikt Weibel in a prepared statement

Meanwhile, UIC’s general assembly also approved a new governance structure. The union will function as a world federation under the guidance of the assembly and UIC’s executive board. UIC will create five regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East and the Americas), which will be governed by a regional support unit and charged with promoting the development of regional railway projects.

In addition, the general assembly approved the creation of a security platform as a means to discuss rail security best practice and partnerships.