In planning for a new timeline, I've been doing a bit of research on the Trans-Siberian Railway. According to the Wikipedia, it was first proposed in 1851 to aid in the colonization of Siberia. Economic pressures intensified with the 1861 abolition of serfdom, but construction still didn't start until 1891. It was finished in 1916, though parts had been in operation much earlier. Siberian development instantly accelerated.
So, my question is: Assuming the Russian government had a greater interest in Siberia, would it have been possible to build it earlier? How much earlier? What problems would they face beyond those they did iOTL?
So, my question is: Assuming the Russian government had a greater interest in Siberia, would it have been possible to build it earlier? How much earlier? What problems would they face beyond those they did iOTL?