Russia and Belarus to Launch New Regional Trains by 2027
Russia and Belarus plan to launch regional trains from Velikie Luki to Vitebsk and Polotsk by 2027, following the successful launch of initial routes in April, which saw passenger numbers exceed forecasts by more than double.
Consensus
- Russia and Belarus plan to launch regional trains between Velikie Luki and Vitebsk and Polotsk by 1 January 2027.
- The first regional trains between Russia and Belarus began operating in April of the current year.
- The initial routes, from Smolensk to Orsha and Smolensk to Vitebsk, carried approximately 55,500 passengers.
- Passenger numbers on the initial routes exceeded forecasts by more than two times.
- The development is intended to support economic growth in border regions and strengthen ties between citizens of the two countries.
- Preliminary work on forming a common transport space between Russia and Belarus is ongoing.
Coverage (2 sources)
- Suburban trains may connect Veliky Luky with Vitebsk and Polotsk by 2027 — РИАМО
- Between Russia and Belarus will start new electric trains — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
- Russia
- Belarus
- Vitebsk
- Polotsk
- Mikhail Mishustin
- Veliky Luky
- Tsargrad
- Union State
- Council of Ministers
- Veliky Luk