BELARUS Railways (BC) has awarded China National Electric Import and Export Corporation (CUEC) a contract to electrify the 80km line from Maladzyechna, 72km northwest of Minsk, to Gudohay and the Lithuanian border.

DURING last week's state visit of Belarusian president Mr Alexander Lukashenko to Beijing, Belarus Railways (BC) signed a contract with China National Electric Import and Export Corporation for 18 7.2MW electric locomotives from CNR Datong Locomotive Works.

BELARUS Railways (BC) carried out the first test runs with an electric locomotive on the Osipovichi – Bobruysk section of the Minsk – Kiev line on March 20, marking the completion of another phase of the country’s electrification programme. Electric services are due to start on the 42km stretch next month.

BELARUSSIAN Railways (BC), in partnership with Russian Railways (RZD), has launched a pilot project to trial paperless processing of some cross-border railfreight services between the two countries.

BELARUS Railways (BC) has awarded CZ Loko, Czech Republic, a contract worth almost €20m to supply 20 two-axle 1520mm-gauge diesel shunting locomotives.

BELARUS Railways (BC) says it is on course to complete the electrification of the 107km section of the Minsk – Gomel line between Osipovichi, Babrujsk and Zhlobin by December.

RUSSIAN Railways (RZD), Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) and Belarusian Railways (BC) have announced plans to form a joint container transport and logistics company.