A Chatbot in the MAX Messenger Will Guide Drivers on Winter Roads in Northern Russia
The digital service provides up-to-date information on seasonal ice roads in the Yamal region.
A chatbot offering real-time information on winter roads has been launched in the national MAX messenger in Russia’s Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. These seasonal routes, known as zimniks, are passable only during the cold season.
According to the regional government’s press service, the digital assistant provides daily updates on the condition of winter roads across Yamal, including the operating status of river crossings, permitted vehicle weight limits, and current weather conditions. The chatbot also offers practical advice on how to plan trips along zimniks and what supplies drivers should bring.
Saving Time and Improving Safety
According to Svetlana Gilikh, head of the regional Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure, the chatbot significantly saves time for residents planning winter travel.
This is the second transport-related chatbot launched in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Since May, residents have also been able to check the status of the Salekhard–Labytnangi crossing online. Both services were developed by the regional Coordination Center together with the Department of Transport and the Road Directorate.
