According to the opinion of Rimas Kudzmanas, the Head of the Logistics Centre to the ‘Lietuvos gelezinkeliai’, regular departure of trains could substantially save border crossing time.

The project of inter-modal transportation “Merkurij” (Kaliningrad-Klaipeda-Moscow), that existed a few years ago, is currently reviewed again by the Directorate of the Board of the State railway company ‘Lietuvos gelezinkeliai’, as a perspective alternative to the road transport.

“Border checkpoints, which were established under different conditions, were not calculated for such amount of transport means that are currently passing through them every day. Subsequently, it leads to the formation of huge several kilometres-long waiting lines and standing for days and nights. Moreover, a train of 57 wagonloads (114 TEU) may substitute 80-90 cargo trucks, and pass the border checkpoint within a half of an hour. Besides, such transportation is much more efficient from the point of view using human resources – one team of engine-drivers is sufficient for servicing the train” – noted R. Kudzmanas at the 8th International Conference on Logistics and the Supply Chain Management”.

Viability of the project confirms also the possibility of setting tariffs on the services provided by “Merkurijus”, which might be attractive to the clients, considers R. Kudzmanas, as reported on 22 February, Tuesday, by the “Transportnij portal”.

According to the preliminary data, the renovation of the project is planned for the year of 2012.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from «Kaliningrad.ru» of 22 02 2011

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