Belarus has introduced its first direct freight train service to Uzbekistan, opening a new chapter in transport and trade cooperation between the two countries. The inaugural “Slavic Caravan” departed from Orsha-Vostochnaya station in Belarus’ Vitebsk region on 30th July 2026, becoming the first direct freight train connecting the two markets.
Orsha-Vostochnaya has been designated as the central consolidation hub for cargo collected from across Belarus before departure. The service will travel via the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan route, providing a dedicated rail connection between the participating countries. The first cargo movement consists of wood products, animal feed, and food products including sugar and potato starch. Belarusian authorities indicated that the variety of goods carried by the direct freight train is expected to increase as the service develops.
Officials Highlight Faster Deliveries and Lower Transport Costs
According to Valery Verenich, head of Belarusian Railways, the train has been designed to travel to its destination without being separated or making additional stops during transit.
“This will allow us to cut delivery time almost in half and securely store the cargo. The train will operate according to the schedule of a passenger train, meaning we will know when it departs and when it will arrive at its final destination. The train can accommodate single 20-ton containers. Small Belarusian businesses will be able to ship cargo in smaller batches rather than stocking it up for a full 60-ton railcar,” Verenich said.
Alexandr Rogozhnik, chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, said, “Delivering a 20-ton container is at least one and a half times cheaper than by road. While previously, shipping a single railcar could take up to two months, this train will arrive in Uzbekistan within 5–7 days.”
Rogozhnik further explained that the direct freight train is intended to support two-way trade between the countries.
“This isn’t just about shipping our own freight; the same train will also be sending goods from Uzbekistan. This includes everything from light industry products to food products, including fruits that don’t grow in Belarus. This cooperation is of mutual interest,” he said.
He also announced plans to visit Uzbekistan and sign a cooperation roadmap with the authorities of the Andijan region.
Return Services Planned as Strategic Partnership Expands
Uzbek Ambassador to Belarus Nuriddin Mamajonov said return services will transport Uzbek products such as melons, dried fruits, and textiles. Belarus Segodnya informs that both countries also expressed their readiness to increase the frequency of the service to four trains per month.
The launch of the direct freight train follows the signing earlier this month of a Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership Relations between Uzbekistan and Belarus. Alongside the declaration, the two countries adopted a roadmap for trade and economic cooperation covering 2026–2030 and concluded agreements spanning agriculture, science, culture, tourism, social protection, labor migration, and emergency prevention.
