Русский
Russia and Belarus are planning to launch cross-border suburban trains, which will operate on the basis of free movement within the Eurasian Economic Union, according to Alexander Khoroshevich, First Deputy Head of the Belarusian Railways. Citizens of both countries and foreigners holding residence visas of either may use the cross-border service without needing to pass through immigration checks.
Khoroshevich stated that suburban rail services would connect Russian regions with neighbouring regions of Belarus, especially between Pskov and Vitebsk and between Bryansk and Gomel. Such moves will boost local trade and connectivity.
Pskov has a population of about 215,000 and is known for its electronics sector, while Vitebsk has a population of 360,000 and is an agricultural centre. The two cities are 343 km distant.
Bryansk has a population of about 380,000 and is an important regional manufacturing hub. Gomel has a population in excess of 500,000 and is a regional military base. The two cities are 273 km distant.
According to Khoroshevich, both sides are currently working on the organisation of cross-border passenger transportation in border areas. The Smolensk–Vitebsk and Smolensk–Orsha directions will act as pilot operations, with their launch scheduled as early as April of this year.
Khoroshevich said that “This will create conditions for the further development of railway communication in each border direction.” Russia-Belarus bilateral trade reached about US$56.7 billion last year. Both countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union.
