The Soviet Union's railway system was one of the largest and most extensive in the world, covering over 100,000 miles. It played a crucial role in connecting various regions, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the vast territory of the USSR. The network was state-owned and operated, reflecting the centralized planning characteristic of the Soviet economy. Constructed primarily during the early to mid-20th century, the railway system included both passenger and freight services. Key routes linked major cities like Moscow and Leningrad, while also reaching remote areas. The system was vital for industrial development and military logistics during the Cold War.