OREANDA-NEWS. July 06, 2011. The official opening of a rail link between Russia and the Republic of Abkhazia was held at Vesyole Station on North Caucasus Railways. The event was attended by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, the President of Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergei Shamba and other officials, reported the press-centre of RZD.

Rail services between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia had been temporarily suspended in February 2011 in connection with reconstruction work on the stretch between Vesyole and Sukhumi.

Yakunin congratulated the audience on the opening of the rail link between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Abkhazia and noted the rapid pace of the reconstruction work. In less than four months, more than 100 kilometres of main track, station tracks, bridges, tunnels and the catenary system were repaired on the Republic of Abkhazia’s railways.

The North Caucasus Suburban Passenger Company began operating regular services between the two countries on 1 July 2011.