Circulation on railway line Moghiliov-Podolski – Ocnita is not resumed

Moldovan Railways (MR) tested on 24 October the technical parameters of the 116 km bridge of the railway line Moghiliov-Podolski – Ocnita, at the request of the Ukraine’s Railway. The bridge has been renovated within two months, a reason for which the circulation of railway transport of Moldova was jeopardized, especially of cargo trains of Moldovan production. The minister of Transport and Road Administration, Miron Gagauz, stated on Wednesday 25 October, that on the same evening, MR ordered the passing of a cargo train with 49 trucks, out of over 100 carriages that have been stopped for about two months. Thus, 26 gas tanks, 22 wine trucks and 1 wagon with cigarettes, crossed the Ukrainian border. The minister mentioned that the train has crossed without problems, while other trucks that stopped on the other part of the border entered Moldova. “Now we try to elucidate with the Ukrainian side the way in which the further circulation on the railway line Moghiliov-Podolski – Ocnita will be organized, but for the time being we have not any information in this respect”, minister mentioned. Miron Gagauz voiced his worry that the train 47 of Chisinau-Moscow–Chisinau route could not circulate further on this route, alleging that it is just about politics. He asserts that he delivered a letter to the leadership of the Russia’s Railway requesting to reexamine the problem. The minister says that, otherwise, other trains that circulate to Moscow will be supplemented with trucks not to create inconveniences to travelers. Russia’s Railway has announced the possibility of withdrawing, from 1 November currently, the passenger train from Chisinau–Moscow-Chisinau route. Gagauz asserts that the Russian side insists on the circulation of this train through the Transnistrian region, as it is considered that the present scheme of circulation through the North of Moldova jeopardizes the timetable of Russia’s Railways. Chisinau authorities decline such a variant, stating that they can not ensure the security of circulation through Transnistria, as they do not control the separatist territory.