We’ll soon be able to reach the most remote regional centres from Minsk within just three hours, as the Head of Belarusian Railways, Vladimir Morozov, emphasises. He is convinced that the goal is achievable, especially as new rolling stock can operate at 160kmh (compared to the usual 100kmh to 140kmh). Electrification countrywide is also helping with the target, as is the optimisation of stops and train schedules.
Another good piece of news is that, in 2015, Belarusian Railways will buy seven-carriage trains for the Minsk-Gomel and Minsk-Vilnius routes. In total, at least 20 electric trains and around 15 contemporary diesel trains will be needed and, of course, major funds are necessary. Mr. Morozov underlines that sources of financing are being sought, with assistance from regional budgets.
In our modern IT world, time is the most precious resource. Trains in Germany, France, China and Japan can already travel at up to 300kmh and beyond while Belarus has some way to go to achieve its goal.
By Vladimir Mikheev
