A passenger train service between North Korea and Russia is set to resume, according to the Russian state-owned railway company “Russian Rail.” As reported by Russia’s state-run Sputnik News, “Russian Rail” announced in its newly released schedule for 2024-2027 that the train service No. 645/646, connecting North Korea’s Tumen River Station and Russia’s Khasan Station, will restart operations on the 16th of the month.
The train will run three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a one-way trip taking approximately 17 minutes. Russian Rail added that upon arrival at Tumen River Station, passengers will need to transfer to local trains or buses.
The resumption of this train service between North Korea and Russia marks the first time in nearly five years, coinciding with growing ties between the two countries amid North Korea’s troop dispatch to the Ukraine conflict. Notably, railway operations are one of the major agendas of the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” concluded during the summit between Chairman Kim Jong-un and President Vladimir Putin last June.
Experts, according to the U.S.-based North Korea-focused media NK News, suggest that the resumption of train operations could lead to North Korean workers being dispatched to Russia as a means of earning foreign currency. Additionally, there is a possibility that North Korean troops and artillery might be transported via Russian rail to the frontlines in Ukraine, NK News pointed out.
[Photo Credit: Yonhap News]
For news tips:
– Call: 02-781-1234, 4444
– Email: [email protected]
– KakaoTalk: Search ‘KBS제보’ and add the channel
– Subscribe to KBS News on Naver and YouTube!