Belarus opens regular freight rail corridor to Uzbekistan

15:02 / 31.07.20262602 min

Belarus has launched a new freight rail service to Uzbekistan, with the inaugural train departing from Orsha for Tashkent along a route expected to reduce transport costs and strengthen trade between the two countries.

Photo: Dunyo IA

Belarus opens regular freight rail corridor to Uzbekistan

Photo: Dunyo IA

According to the Dunyo Information Agency, a ceremony marking the departure of the first freight train, named Slavic Caravan, was held in the Belarusian city of Orsha.

The event was attended by Valery Verenich, Director of the Belarusian Railway state association, Alexander Rogozhnik, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Leonid Moyzhik, Chairman of the Orsha City Executive Committee, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Belarus Nuriddin Mamajanov, and representatives of the business community.

The inaugural train consists of 71 railcars carrying more than 3,840 tonnes of cargo bound for Uzbekistan. The shipment includes timber products, sugar, dairy products, edible oils, animal feed, chemical products and other goods.

According to Rogozhnik, the new rail corridor will significantly reduce logistics costs. Transporting a 20-tonne container by rail will be nearly 1.5 times cheaper than by road, while delivery times are expected to range from five to seven days.

He added that the new route will also create opportunities for the regular export of Uzbek products with strong demand in the Belarusian market, including light industry goods, food products, and fruit and vegetables.