Russia, Belarus to Launch Direct Rail Routes via Smolensk, Orsha, Vitebsk

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Russia and Belarus plan to establish direct suburban rail service between several border cities. Among the first agreed routes are "Smolensk-Orsha" and "Smolensk-Vitebsk".

Transportation on these lines is expected to be subsidized from the budget of the Union State (a supranational entity formed by Russia and Belarus). This measure is expected to make travel more affordable for residents of border areas.

The signing of the necessary package of documents is scheduled for the end of this month during a meeting of the Supreme State Council. As Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk noted, the launch of new routes is expected to improve travel conditions for citizens between key cities of the two countries and increase regional transport connectivity.

In the future, the parties intend to expand the suburban rail network. Plans include developing routes such as "Pskov-Vitebsk" and "Bryansk-Gomel", which are seen as restoring historically established transport links. Modern railway carriages are planned to be used for these routes.