Valentina roadside service facility is located along the Brest-Minsk-Russian border highway
Belarus boasts an extensive network of roads used by Belarusians and foreigners, thanks to its position at the crossroads of the international West-East and South-North transport corridors. “Besides creating conditions for quick and comfortable driving, we want to offer services to drivers, including those carrying loads,” Belarus’ Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov underlines. He adds, “Accessible and quality roadside services are essential for our reputation as a country, as well as serving an economic need. This includes offering food, accommodation and shops, as well as fuel and garage services. Roadside services are a priority, for the enhancement of Belarus’ transport and tourist potential.”
Foreign investors are involved, notes the Minister for Transport and Communications, Anatoly Sivak. He tells us that his Ministry has approved a scheme of roadside service development for 2015-2020, with particular sites already chosen. Importantly, construction works are being avoided on agricultural land, yet plenty of sites have been earmarked. The necessary distance is no more than 42km between fuelling stations and 30km between food catering sites.
“By 2020, another 475 sites should be built, but we must consider market needs, ensuring that we have not just quantity but quality,” adds Mr. Sivak. “Efforts should be concentrated on quality across the whole complex of services. If a new fuelling station is built, it must offer parking for at least two tourist buses and five cars, while also providing food, shopping and accommodation.”
At present, 90 roadside services are being built in Belarus and another 224 are being developed.
By Galina Kovalevskaya
