Work has begun on the construction of further rail and road tunnel connections between the 2014 Winter Olympic venue of Sochi, a city on the Black Sea coast, and the inland ski areas around Krasnaya Polyana, about 50km (30 miles) inland.

The new tunnels, which will extend for about 25km (16 miles) in total will further cut journey times, already shortened by the opening of an initial tunnel several years ago by then president Vladimir Putin, a keen skier and crucial backer of the 2014 Olympics who owns a condo in the area.

Some Western commentators have criticised preparations for the 2014 Games pointing to ski area development delays and saying that construction may not be completed in time. In part this is said to be due to the drastically diminished fortunes of some of the wealthy private investors in Games venues due to the worldwide economic downturn.

The construction of facilities for the 2014 Games has also been criticised by local and international environmental groups who claim it is encroaching on formerly unspoilt wilderness areas.

However Games organisers dispute all criticisms saying construction is on target and will not cause damage to the environment and that criticism is due to prejudice against Russia rather than reality.