Belarus, Russia to establish seamless border rail service

MINSK. June 3 (Interfax) - Belarus and Russia have discussed the possibility of establishing seamless passenger railway services on the border between the two countries, Belarusian Railway reported on Monday.

Representatives of Belarusian Railway attended a meeting of the Union State Council of Ministers' High Level Group as part of a Transport and Communication Ministry delegation led by First Deputy Minister Grigory Glazko, the company said.

"Issues concerning the organization of commuter railway services with border administrative centers of the Republic of Belarus and Russian Federation were considered at the meeting. Areas of joint work were determined at the Group meeting that will make it possible to establish seamless railway services," Belarusian Railway said.

The company said border commuter services on the Smolensk-Orsha and Smolensk-Vitebsk routes currently involve transfers to connecting trains at the Osinovka and Zaolsha stations, respectively.

"Joint work to carry out the decisions made will be continued as part of the implementation of previously reached agreements and understandings between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation," the company said.