Direct commuter trains have started running between Russia and Belarus.

Today, on the 30th anniversary of the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus, commuter passenger trains began operating between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the Smolensk—Orsha and Smolensk—Vitebsk routes. Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Russia, Vitaly Saveliev, Deputy Prime Minister, Andrey Nikitin, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Belarus, Alexey Lyakhnovich, and Oleg Belozerov, General Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Russian Railways, took part in the ceremony of launching traffic via video link from the International Transport and Logistics Forum. Vasily Anokhin, Governor of the Smolensk Region, was present at the Smolensk Railway Station.

Due to the absence of transfers, commuter train passengers will save from 1.5 to three hours on the way. According to preliminary calculations, about 110 thousand passengers will use the new trains in three years. In the future, it is also planned to open the movement of modern trains between the Pskov and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation and the cities of Polotsk, Vitebsk and Gomel of the Republic of Belarus.

"The launch of border railway routes between Russia and Belarus is a historic decision for the Union State. This is an important step towards creating a unified transport system in our countries and improving people's quality of life. We save passengers' most valuable resource, time. Previously, a similar route between Vitebsk and Smolensk took up to five hours, now it takes two hours," Nikitin stressed.

Transportation is carried out by the Central Suburban Passenger Company. The total travel time between Smolensk and Vitebsk will be 2 hours, from Smolensk to Orsha — 1 hour and 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices at stations along the route and in the online services of Russian Railways. Also, in the near future, tickets will be available on the official CPPC website and in the CPPC Schedule and Tickets application.

"Preparations for the launch were carried out in close cooperation between the railway workers of the two countries. To ensure uninterrupted and comfortable communication, the specialists conducted a schedule connection. The schedules of cross-border commuter trains are carefully synchronized with the schedules of long-distance trains heading towards Moscow, Minsk, Brest, Mogilev, Murmansk, and the resorts of the North Caucasus. The rolling stock, locomotive crews and infrastructure are ready for the start of the movement," Belozerov said.

Modern trains have started running in both directions: two—car diesel trains RA—3 on the Smolensk-Vitebsk route. There are EP3D four—car electric trains on the Smolensk—Orsha route. In the future, comfortable "Swallows" or "Finists" will be launched.

"The launch of direct routes will contribute to the strengthening of cultural and tourist ties between our countries. To make trips as comfortable and in demand as possible, we have used modern rolling stock and provided a convenient schedule, taking into account seasonal demand. Flights will be operated daily. On popular days, such as summer weekends, there will be up to three pairs of trains per day on the routes. This will open up a new, affordable opportunity for passengers to travel between cities," said Ivan Konev, General Director of the CPPC.

Work has been done to synchronize the system of benefits and tariffs so that trips are accessible to all citizens. Thus, privileged categories of passengers in Russia and Belarus will be able to enjoy discounts on travel along the entire train route.

In total, over 3 million passengers and 50 million tons of cargo were transported by rail between Russia and Belarus in 2025.

The International Transport and Logistics Forum is being held in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation to ensure the global competitiveness of Russia's transport corridors, including the implementation of decrees within the framework of national goals until 2030 and for the future 2036.

The MTLF is organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, the operator is the Roscongress Foundation, with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.