In the 1990s, Lengiprotrans developed a project for the electrification of the Volkhovstroy - Tikhvin - Koshta section in connection with the transfer of freight traffic to it. This was supposed to free the St. Petersburg - Moscow line for the development of high-speed passenger traffic.
The object was designed in record time - in 2.5 years, although according to the standards, at least 5.5 years are allotted for this. Decisions were often made in close collaboration between designers and builders. Electrification took place in 3 stages. A docking station for direct and alternating current - Babaevo was designed.
The following objects were designed on the site:
• low-voltage power lines using self-supporting insulated wires;
• automated electricity metering system using electronic multi-tariff electricity meters "Alpha" at the traction substations of the site;
• closed AC traction substation using new NIIEFA equipment, subsequently used in standard design;
• grouping points in capital buildings at the docking station of different types of current.
The line uses the latest braking control system for trains "SAUT-Ts", which provides an automatic stop in front of a closed traffic light.
In 1998, construction began, and in 2000, the site was put into operation.
