The lower house, also known as the Duma, approved amendments to the border traffic law in a first reading. The move aims to streamline border operations and reduce congestion at points of entry. The purpose is clear: fewer lines at checkpoints mean quicker, more predictable journeys and smoother logistics for businesses and individuals alike.
Officials emphasize that the changes are designed to cut waiting times for all road users. By addressing bottlenecks, the regime hopes to speed up the movement of goods and lower operating costs for transport companies and independent carriers. The overall goal is to boost efficiency on cross-border routes while maintaining safety and order at the borders.
How will the new law work?
The amendments authorize the Government to reorganize road transport operations at checkpoints along the state border. This shift provides a framework for more flexible and responsive management of border flows, with the potential to adapt to changing conditions and demand.
One notable feature is the introduction of an electronic line at the border. The new system is intended to prevent the buildup of vehicles on roadways and to give transport operators the ability to plan the timing of their crossings with greater precision. Drivers will have the option to wait for their turn in designated, convenient locations, rather than idling on busy road segments.
Viewed in the broader context, the bill aligns with a strategy to support economic activity by facilitating smoother cross-border trade and passenger movement, even in the face of international sanctions and economic pressures. The reform is presented as a tool to keep supply chains flowing, reduce unnecessary delays, and maintain competitiveness for domestic and international commerce through more predictable crossing times.