The passenger department of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railways spoke about the features of train traffic during the summer period in Belarus and through the territory of Ukraine.

Our readers at this time usually expect the summer train schedule. Mass vacations and family summer holidays begin, which in previous years were associated with trips to the south for many Belarusians. The events in Ukraine, first and foremost, caused concern about how trains would run in this direction. Anton Motorin, lead engineer of the passenger department of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railway, answered these and other questions.

— The events in Crimea have indeed significantly affected the schedule, it has been adjusted several times recently, and the Russian side has also canceled the stops of its transit trains in territories where military operations are taking place, — said Anton Vladimirovich. — But we have kept international trains in the schedule: the Polotsk — Simferopol train will run once every 4 days as before. In addition, for the summer period, starting from June 17, we are introducing the Vitebsk — Yevpatoria train, departing once every 4 days. And with our connecting carriages, you can travel to Odessa, Mariupol, Karaganda, Saratov. Belarusian Railway is keeping the Minsk — Adler, Minsk — Anapa, Minsk — Mineralnye Vody trains in its schedule. In addition, transit services from Russia allow travel to Kyiv, Odessa, Mariupol, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Shchors, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk.

Anton Motorin drew attention to the innovations that have appeared in interregional services.

— The Vitebsk — Minsk train No. 703/704 is being reclassified as a business-class interregional train. Its average speed will increase to 83 kilometers per hour, and while it previously took 4 hours and 3 minutes, the travel time has now been reduced to 3 hours and 30 minutes. It will travel to Minsk without any stops. The departure time from Vitebsk is 6:31 AM, and arrival in the capital of Belarus is at 10:04 AM. This will have a negligible impact on ticket prices. Please also note that a Vitebsk — Mogilev train is being introduced on the Vitebsk branch's schedule, now reclassified as an economy-class interregional line. Its carriages and seats will be numbered. This direct train will depart from Vitebsk at 9:35 AM and arrive in Mogilev at 12:11 PM. The ticket fare is for a general carriage, and tickets must be purchased at the station's daily ticket offices. However, passengers wishing to save money can travel on regular economy-class regional trains with a transfer at Orsha station.

The schedule for the Vitebsk — Baranovichi, Baranovichi — Vitebsk train has changed. From Baranovichi to Vitebsk, it will run as usual, with stops, daily, while from Vitebsk, it will run on specific dates at 0:09 AM and 5:59 AM. Full information is available at the station and on the Belarusian Railway website: www.poezd.rw.by.

— Anton Vladimirovich, the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival is approaching, and in September, the republican festival-fair "Dozhinki" will be held in Horadok. How are railway workers participating in these events?

— In connection with the International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" held from July 10 to 14, it is planned to appoint a special train on the Minsk — Vitebsk route, the train schedule will be coordinated with the holiday program. The existing schedule of regional economy class trains to Horadok will not change, simply for the period of "Dazhynki" an additional regional economy class train is planned to be appointed to deliver guests to the district center.

— What changes have occurred in the train schedule for the dacha season?

— Since May, an additional summer train Vitebsk — Shumilino has been appointed. In addition, we have increased the number of trains between Vitebsk and Orsha.

A device for the movement of disabled people is operating at the Vitebsk railway station. If necessary, contact the station duty officer, or notify in advance by phone 37-91-28.

Natalia Drozdova, "Vitbichi"