Direct suburban trains between Smolensk and the Belarusian cities of Orsha and Vitebsk will begin running in April 2026. The Russian Ambassador to the Republic, Boris Gryzlov, clarified in an interview with TASS that this refers to non-stop service subsidized by the budget of the Union State, which will make tickets more affordable.
According to Gryzlov, all the necessary documents have already been agreed upon at the level of relevant ministries: the draft decree of the Union State and the rules for the implementation of transportation are in the final stage of approval. The decision is expected to be officially adopted at a meeting of the Supreme State Council at the end of February.
Currently, rail service operates only on certain border sections, and passengers have to transfer from Russian trains to Belarusian trains and back. The diplomat noted that this is a temporary measure that, since 2024, has allowed the restoration of travel between regions.
The launch of suburban trains will provide a direct connection, reduce travel time, and simplify the accessibility of transportation for residents of border areas.
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