Number of freights transiting Transnistrian expected to increase

Since April 26, when freight traffic through Transnistria was resumed, 492 wagon loads of goods were transported in both directions on this segment, according to data made available by Moldova Railways. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, Deputy Transport and Roads Minister Valeriu Ciubuc expressed his optimism that the number of freight trains passing through the region will increase during the harvest period and when new tariffs and routes are established. Valeriu Ciubuc says that the tariffs for goods transportation via the Transnistrian region need further negotiations. “At the time being there isn’t much difference between the new route and the old route tariffs. For several years we have followed one route and now there are different normative acts which need to be studied”, the deputy minister said. Some economic entities refrain from using the Transnistrian railway segment because this would imply the coordination of the new route with importers and exporters, which requires time. Moldova Railways general director Vitalie Struna says it is too early to speak about any progress because this route was closed for many years and companies need time to change the contracts. Vitalie Struna added that in the coming future the enterprise intends to launch a train with platforms for containers to run from Ilichiovsk, Odessa region, through Transnistria to Chisinau on a weekly schedule. Ion Paladi, head of the traffic service at Moldova Railways, said that at present most freight trains transit Transnistria along the Ribnita-Slobodka line, where the Matalurgical Plant is situated, and the least used is the Cuciurgan-Bender segment.