OREANDA-NEWS. A working meeting of Head of the Republic of Karelia Alexander Khudilainen with Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways Inc. took place in Moscow. Opportunities of organization of the effective railway transport scheme both within the territory of the republic, and with neighbouring regions were discussed.

"One of the subjects of the conversation was development of passenger transportation on the route between Petrozavodsk and Kostomuksha and between St. Petersburg and Kostomuksha. I've managed to convince Mr.Yakunin that today trains in this direction for citizens of our republic are the only way of travelling and make it possible to move freely both within the territory of Karelia, and to other regions of Russia," – Alexander Khudilainen emphasized.

Matters at the meeting also concerned the fact that demand for railway communication between Petrozavodsk and St.-Petersburg, Petrozavodsk and Moscow grows constantly.

"The increase in number of tourists who travel through Petrozavodsk en route confirms the necessity of development of these lines. It will allow to reduce the travel time and to improve the image of the Northwest as a tourist destination considerably. Therefore, I've asked a question on improvement of communication between the capital of Karelia and St. Petersburg. We have discussed prospects in this sphere. It was decided to prepare specific proposals," – Alexander Khudilainen said.

The important factor of improving the image of the region as a tourist destination are comfortable conditions, modern equipment of trains and basic railway stations. Alexander Khudilainen has made a special mention that during the conversation with President of Russian Railways Inc. prospects of the railway station of Petrozavodsk were discussed.